Testifying before the New Jersey State Assembly Budget Committee, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, urged legislators to raise the state’s Nonpublic School Security Aid in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

In his testimony, Schorr noted that the security aid program has been instrumental in helping schools install cameras, secure entrances, and upgrade access control systems.

However, he emphasized that funding has remained flat for four consecutive budget cycles, even as security needs have evolved, and urged legislators to raise the aid from $205 to $260 per pupil

“Security is no longer simply a precaution — it is a daily necessity,” Schorr told lawmakers. “Our schools are facing a heightened threat environment, and the cost of protecting students has increased significantly.”

Agudath Israel’s proposal would increase funding to help schools hire trained security personnel while continuing to maintain critical infrastructure improvements.

Schorr pointed to recent incidents, including a mass shooting at a religious school last year and the foiled attack in Michigan just last week, as evidence of the real and immediate risks facing faith-based institutions, and the importance of trained security personnel.

“The focus has shifted from infrastructure alone to the urgent need for trained, on-site security personnel,” Schorr said. “For many schools, maintaining a consistent and professional security presence is becoming increasingly difficult without additional state support.”

He also cited the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness’ 2026 Threat Assessment, which warns that extremist actors continue to target religious communities, houses of worship, and schools.

“These are not hypothetical concerns,” Schorr said. “They are documented threats that require a serious and proactive response.”

Schorr also expressed appreciation for the Legislature’s longstanding partnership with the nonpublic school community and urged lawmakers to adopt the proposed increase as part of the final budget.

“We are grateful for the support the Legislature has shown over the years,” Schorr concluded. “We respectfully ask that you take this next step to ensure the safety and well-being of nearly 160,000 nonpublic school students across our state.”