New Jersey Mom Blasts Democrats’ Focus on Trump Amid Education Woes

Christina Calvanico Greenberg, a New Jersey mother of two, has publicly criticized the state’s Democratic leadership, alleging that their preoccupation with opposing the Trump administration has led to a neglect of crucial local issues, particularly the struggling education system. In an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Greenberg expressed her frustration, emphasizing the dire academic performance of students in her community while state officials seemingly prioritize national political battles.

Greenberg’s primary concern stems from the academic deficiencies within the Keyport school system, where her children, aged 13 and 15, are enrolled. She highlighted the alarmingly low science proficiency rate at the high school, a mere 14%. "My children are 13 and 15. They’ve gone through the Keyport school system. Our high school has a 14% proficiency rate in science," Greenberg stated, questioning the lack of urgency from state officials regarding this issue. She questioned why state authorities were not actively addressing the problem, considering the significant financial resources allocated to the district. "Why are they not storming and saying, ‘What is going on in these districts?’ You’re receiving millions of dollars. You have millions going in. Why is that not a priority?"

Greenberg juxtaposed the apparent neglect of local education with the Democratic lawmakers’ focus on immigration issues, specifically their actions at an ICE facility in Newark. She referenced an incident where a group of Democratic lawmakers, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, "stormed" the facility, protesting what they perceived as the Trump administration’s weaponization of law enforcement. Baraka was subsequently arrested and charged with trespassing. Greenberg questioned the priorities of these officials, asking, "Why are detention centers where we’re focusing?" She framed her concerns from a maternal perspective, stating, "As a mother, it’s incredibly infuriating."

The article referenced national reports indicating broader educational challenges within the state. According to the Nations Report Card, only 38% of 8th graders in New Jersey are proficient in reading, and just 37% demonstrate proficiency in math. These statistics paint a picture of a state grappling with significant educational hurdles, despite its reputation for affluence and high academic standards.

Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has acknowledged the need for improved education funding. In February, he touted his administration’s commitment to public schools, stating that the state budget would provide "the single largest investment" in New Jersey’s public education system in history. He argued that increased state funding would not only benefit students but also alleviate the financial burden on working families by reducing property taxes. "With the funding, we’re not merely investing in the success of our state students – which we obviously are – [but] we are also helping every working parent save more of their money because every additional dollar the state spends on public education is a dollar our families get to save in property taxes," Murphy stated.

However, Greenberg remained unconvinced by the Governor’s promises. She challenged the notion that increased funding automatically translates to improved educational outcomes, particularly in a blue-collar town like Keyport. Greenberg pointed to a substantial property tax increase of 20%, which she estimated would cost households between $1,000 and $1,500 annually. "I’m a little confused because Keyport is a very blue-collar town. We have a lot of amazing, hard-working people. We also have a very large senior citizen population here. A 20% raise to our taxes was going to be approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per household…" she explained, emphasizing the financial strain this would place on residents. She expressed disbelief at the Governor’s ability to reconcile such policies with the needs of ordinary citizens. "I honestly don’t know how he’s putting his head on the pillow every night," Greenberg said of the governor. "I don’t know how seniors in our town are affording this. And I don’t know how middle-class families are shelling out that extra thousand dollars a year right now."

Greenberg’s remarks highlight a growing concern among some New Jersey residents that state Democrats are more focused on opposing national policies than addressing pressing local issues. The combination of struggling schools, rising property taxes, and perceived political grandstanding has fueled frustration among constituents who feel their needs are being overlooked. The article underscores a potential disconnect between the Democratic leadership and the concerns of everyday New Jerseyans, raising questions about the party’s ability to effectively address the state’s challenges while simultaneously engaging in national political debates. The situation in Keyport serves as a microcosm of the broader issues facing many communities in New Jersey, where residents are demanding accountability and tangible results from their elected officials. The piece suggests that the Democratic party may need to reassess its priorities and demonstrate a greater commitment to local concerns if it hopes to maintain the support of its constituents. The voice of Christina Calvanico Greenberg and others like her represents a challenge to the prevailing political narrative in New Jersey and calls for a renewed focus on the needs of the Garden State’s residents.