Kean: Chronic Student Outmigration Will Impact Higher Education & Economy

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean released the following statement on New Jersey’s Top Ten ranking in Wallethub’s 2020’s Most and Least Educated States in America:

“While New Jersey is currently one of the ‘Most Educated States’ in the nation, our outmigration problem many put this notable statistic at risk in the future. Many high school graduates choose to attend college outside of New Jersey. Once these students leave, many never return to New Jersey to help build our workforce, support their families, or contribute to our communities. This is because our state is simply too expensive.

“This ‘brain drain’ really hurts our state, and it’s something we must understand better if we are to counter it successfully. My bipartisan legislation to study this outmigration pattern passed the New Jersey Senate last year.

“After investing so much to educate our next generation in grade and high school, it would be a real boost to have more of our talented high school graduates plant roots at home in the Garden State.

“A culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship attracts businesses and creates jobs. Raising taxes will not create that culture. Lowering costs across the board – for students, for families, for businesses, and for retirees – will make New Jersey more competitive. Healthy competition spurs the best innovation, leading to economic growth and job creation for generations to come.”