Ed Potosnak, Democratic Candidate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, agrees with 78% of New Jersey parents and families who want to see education made a higher priority.  A Zogby poll found that 78% of New Jersey parents believe that New Jersey should be spending more on education.  Potosnak criticized his opponent, Congressman Leonard Lance, for voting against education funding for New Jersey schools.

“Last year, Congressman Lance voted against stimulus funding that provided New Jersey schools with $1.5 billion in resources.  In March, Mr. Lance voted against removing $80 billion in fees on student loans that go directly to the big banks.  Earlier this month, Congressman Lance voted against $258 million for New Jersey schools,” said Potosnak.  “A pattern is emerging with Mr. Lance: He does not value education or New Jersey’s students.”

“Governor Christie, slashed $800 million from New Jersey school budgets in January and added insult to injury with last week’s $400 million mistake on New Jersey’s application for federal education funds. Our Congressman and Governor are making it crystal clear to parents and families that the New Jersey students are at the bottom of their list of priorities,” said Potosnak.  “Parents and teachers throughout our communities continue to be disappointed by the Christie-Lance education agenda.”

“My opponent, Mr. Lance, is career politician who is using our students and schools just to score political points.  Why is it that when budgets have to be trimmed, our students are the first ones to see cuts?  Why are we continuing to punish New Jersey children for the fiscal mistakes of adults?  When I am in Congress, I promise to protect the great schools of the 7th district and fight against education funding cuts that jeopardize our future.”

Ed Potosnak invited Congressman Leonard Lance to hold debates on the issues in each of NJ-7’s four counties.  17 days have passed without a reply from Mr. Lance.

¬Ed Potosnak put himself through Rutgers to become a scientist and teacher.  He was born and raised in New Jersey. Growing up, he worked in his parents’ small business, manufacturing lifesaving communications equipment for police officers and emergency responders. Ed taught chemistry for over a decade at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School and as an adjunct professor at Rutgers. He wrote and researched education policy as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Education Fellow. An entrepreneur and businessman at heart, Potosnak owns a small home repair business and lives in North Plainfield.