This afternoon Gov. Phil Murphy will propose $11.6 billion in state aid for New Jersey’s public schools for Fiscal Year 2025, which he calls “a historic investment that would, for the first time, fully fund K-12 schools.”

From Chalkbeat, which received an advance copy:

The proposed funding, a $908 million increase from the current year, would be Murphy’s final payment into the seven-year plan, outlined by a law he signed in 2018, to fully fund the state’s school aid formula and redirect money to underfunded districts, including Newark Public Schools.

But with other costly items likely to be proposed in this budget against a backdrop of lower-than-anticipated tax revenues, a forecast of steep deficits, and other economic hardships affecting residents, it remained to be seen Tuesday morning how Murphy planned to pay for the fully funded school aid formula.

“This will be the most significant investment into our public schools in history,” Murphy said in the advance copy of his address set to be delivered Tuesday afternoon in Trenton at the State House.

“There is a simple reason we are keeping this promise. It’s because we need to cultivate the potential of every student any way we can — whether they live in Cranbury or Camden,” Murphy added.

Here is a press release from the Governor’s Office:

On Tuesday, February 27, Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) budget address, detailing the Murphy Administration’s financial commitments for the upcoming fiscal year. In attendance will be several special guests of First Lady Tammy Murphy, including educators, students, health care professionals, and workers who push our state forward every day. Each guest was selected as their stories reflect some of the key policies and initiatives prioritized in the FY2025 budget proposal.

“As we look ahead to a new fiscal year, I am thrilled to be joined by this exceptional group of special guests from across our state, each of whom inspire the work of our administration,” said Governor Murphy. “Our budget proposal has been crafted to support the working people and families who keep our state and economy moving forward. And it will build upon our Administration’s commitments to lowering costs, creating opportunity, prioritizing safety, and above all, ensuring New Jersey remains the best place to raise a family.”

“I am honored to announce the outstanding group of individuals who will be in attendance at the Fiscal Year 2025 budget address. Although each of their stories is unique, every one of these individuals embody the true meaning of Jersey Strong,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Inspired by these and all New Jerseyans, this year’s budget proposal reflects our continued commitment to making our state the best place to live, work, study, raise a family, and retire. Together, we are building a New Jersey that is better today and brighter tomorrow.

The following guests, listed in alphabetical order by last name, will be in attendance:

Saba Daneshyar, LCSW, LCADC, Ph. D. (Livingston, NJ): Dr. Saba Daneshyar is a mental health professional with 25-plus years of experience in the field. She currently heads the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at Clara Maass Medical Center in Essex County, New Jersey. A native of India, Saba is the quintessential success story of an immigrant, who made her way to the U.S. with a master’s degree in social work from Delhi University. Once in the States, she joined the graduate program in counseling psychology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, achieving a master’s with honors. While working with families, couples, and individuals as a therapist, Saba embarked on an academic career with a doctorate in clinical social work from New York University. After a teaching and research stint at NYU, Dr. Daneshyar joined various mental health programs in New Jersey, providing administrative and clinical leadership. In programs like Vantage Health and New Jersey Hopeline, she mentored their planning and implementation of mental health treatment services. Saba is dedicated to the delivery of competent, efficient, and cost-effective mental health crisis services to Essex County. She lives in Livingston with her husband of fourteen years and an effervescent eleven-year-old daughter. An avid reader, Saba enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Talithea Duncan (Hamilton, NJ): Talithea Duncan is a proud native of Trenton, New Jersey, where she originally embarked on her educational journey at Trenton Central High School, graduating in 1998. Her passion for learning led her to Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Continuing her pursuit of academic excellence, she furthered her studies at Grand Canyon University, obtaining a Master of Education in Education Administration and Leadership. For the past 21 years, Talithea has been an integral part of shaping young minds in the city of Trenton. She has taught various grade levels throughout her educational career with her last position being a Climate and Culture Teacher Specialist at Trenton Central High School. Talithea’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her involvement in various leadership roles within the Trenton Public School District and the Trenton Education Association. Throughout her tenure, she has chaired school leadership teams, served as Grievance Co-Chair and Social Committee Chair for the Trenton Education Association, and held the esteemed position of Chief Association Representative. Currently, she serves as the President of the Trenton Education Association, advocating tirelessly for the rights and welfare of educators and students alike. Outside of her professional endeavors, Talithea finds solace and joy in her family life. She resides in Hamilton with her husband, Derron, and their son, Terrill, cherishing the moments spent together in their home. Talithea’s dedication to education, leadership, and community serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those around her, embodying the spirit of service and excellence.

Mariluz Lantiqua De Peralta (Elizabeth, NJ): Mariluz Lantigua De Peralta is a nursing student currently in her final class of nursing school. She was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States in 2016, when she was 23 years old. In 2018, she started school at Union County College where she finished her ESL program and later started her first semester of Business Administration. During this time, she worked as a cardiac monitor technician where her coworkers would encourage her to become a nurse due to her compassion for her patients. She took their advice and changed her career path to nursing, which she considers to be the best decision of her life. Like many students in school, Lantigua De Peralta faces financial hardships in paying for her nursing program, often having to take out loans and ask for scholarships in order to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a professional in the United States. With the support of her family, her persistence, and her faith in God, she knows she will achieve her goals.

Jayson Maksymovich (Hopewell, NJ): Jayson Maksymovich is an active leader in the training of electrical apprentices locally for IBEW Local 269 and currently serves as the Training Director for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee trade school located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Jayson is a third-generation electrician who started his career during his summers off from high school where he would help his father’s residential electrical business where he worked for 9 years before joining IBEW Local 269 in 2011. Jayson completed his 5-year apprenticeship in 2017 and was named Outstanding Apprentice and was recognized by IBEW International President and NECA CEO for his accomplishments. Jayson currently oversees the training of 176 apprentices and oversees and coordinates continuing education for the 1,158 members of IBEW Local 269. Jayson is an active member of his community and serves as a Board Member for Mercer County Technical Schools and enjoys volunteering for Adopt a Highway, Toys for Tots, The Trenton Soup Kitchen, and the Hamilton based dog rescue organization It’s a Ruff Life Rescue. He lives in Hopewell with his wife Nikki, and daughters, Emi and Sadie, who he considers the joys of his life.

Lestine Robinson (Paterson, NJ): Lestine Robinson was born in Tennessee and raised in Paterson, NJ. She is a retired staff member of the Hackensack Health Center. Lestine is the mother of three children: Renee Cleaves-Bryant, Jerome Robinson Jr., and Linda Robinson; and four grandchildren: Yakeema Cobb, Jerome Robinson III, Jayla Robinson, and Jalonda Robinson. In her free time, she enjoys attending her church, St. Luke Baptist Church in Paterson, where she serves in the food and clothing pantry. The 77-year-old currently lives in Paterson where she rents her apartment.

In addition, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Zelinsky of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America will be in attendance.

Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.