In a dizzying display of political gymnastics, Lakewood's Avi Schnall is facing heat after championing and then abruptly denouncing H.R. 1 — the Republican-led "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" named in honor of President Trump. Just days after lauding the bill as a “historic opportunity” during a briefing with Agudath Israel constituents, Schnall appeared at Governor Murphy’s side to condemn the very same legislation! Voters and political insiders alike are now asking: which Avi Schnall are we getting?
Republican lawmakers in Washington are advancing H.R. 1 - enitled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" in honor of President Trump.
The legislation — which still needs to pass the Senate before it can head to the president's desk — would extend Trump's signature 2017 tax cuts, boost border security spending, impose work requirements on Medicaid and roll back clean energy tax credits.
Lakewood's Avi Schnall - a true politician - is going through a whopping identity crisis while flip flopping on his position on the legislation.
As Director of Federal Education Affairs, Agudath Israel of America, Schnall this week touted the multi-billion dollar federal school choice proposal which is a big part of the Big Beautiful Bill.
Schnall held a special insider briefing, calling the bill "a game-changing moment" and a "historic opportunity."
Schnall also called on constituents to "keep the momentum going" and "help push this over the finish line."
On Friday however, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy came to Lakewood to blast the proposed bill, citing its proposal to cut funding to Medicaid.
Murphy was flanked by Assemblyman Avi Schnall who released a statement opposing the Big Beautiful Bill.
Notably, following Murphy's visit, Republican Congressman Chris Smith - who supports H.R. 1 - released a statement completely debunking Murphy's claims.
"It is insulting that the Governor has portrayed this meeting as “official business” - this is a partisan, political, campaign-related event, and it’s shameful that taxpayer resources were used to stage it.
"Murphy, with his hand-selected participants including from his own administration, is fearmongering among those who are entitled to Medicaid and will still have it after this bill is signed into law.
"To be clear, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act does not change the federal share or commitment to Medicaid recipients. It safeguards the federal funds and ensures the money is here for those who are eligible and need it most.
"In Lakewood, we have been fighting for years for legislation such as the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and my bill, Education Achievement and Opportunity Act (HR 2097), to allow families to choose the academic options that best fit their children’s needs.
"Among the many significant provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a section named “Scholarship Granting Organizations,” which will provide tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to scholarship funds that families can then use to help cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education.
"Many states already have these programs, but the Governor has refused to advance these provisions in New Jersey. Now many parents in Lakewood will be able to pursue this path with support at the federal level.
"The bill also renews the Opportunity Zone program to spur over $100 billion in new investment over the coming decade. Ocean and Monmouth counties are home to 18 Opportunity Zones; 10 in Ocean County, 6 of which are in Lakewood; and 8 in Monmouth.
"Specifically in Lakewood - the same town where Murphy is staging this fake roundtable discussion - I fought hard and won approval for two, not one, but two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) that meet tens of thousands of Medicaid patient visits per year," Smith emphasized.
As H.R. 1 advances toward a Senate showdown, Schnall’s about-face has left both allies and critics questioning whether political convenience has eclipsed principle. In a community known for its disciplined voting blocs and close ties to state and national leaders, Schnall’s maneuver may prove to be either a masterstroke of pragmatism — or a spectacular miscalculation. Either way, Lakewood’s rising political star is learning that in Washington’s shadow, every step is watched — and every stumble, amplified.
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