Edwina M. Lee, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director, today issued the following statement about Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s Annual Budget Message to the state Legislature. 

“Property tax relief will not happen without adequate state aid to public education. Governor Corzine’s proposed $300 million increase in direct state aid to education is at least a step in the right direction.  The proposed budget recognizes that schools and property taxpayers in non-Abbott districts need more state assistance, especially after five years of stagnant aid. 

"In 2005-2006 alone, state aid to local school districts fell short by $846 million.  The shortfalls have been a major cause of property tax increases, according to a study issued by Rutgers-Newark. 

"In addition to a 3 percent across-the-board aid increase, the governor's proposal provides funding for the education of low-income students who live outside of Abbott communities.