Mila Jasey

Mila Jasey is a former American politician affiliated with the Democratic Party, who served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 27th Legislative District from 2007 until 2024. During her tenure, she was involved in various legislative initiatives and held significant leadership roles within several committees. Jasey’s career in public service is marked by her commitment to education and community issues, reflecting her background and experiences prior to her legislative work.

Early life and career

Mila Jasey was born on May 29, 1951, in Madison, Wisconsin. She spent her formative years in Minnesota and California, where she attended public schools. This diverse upbringing likely provided her with a broad perspective on educational and community issues, which would later inform her political career. Jasey pursued higher education at Barnard College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Her academic journey continued at Pace University, where she obtained a Master of Science degree from the Lienhard School of Nursing. This combination of history and nursing education may have contributed to her understanding of both social issues and health-related matters, which are often intertwined in public policy.

Before entering the New Jersey General Assembly, Jasey was actively involved in local education governance. From 1999 to 2007, she served as a trustee on the South Orange-Maplewood School District Board of Education. This role allowed her to engage directly with educational policies and community needs, providing her with valuable experience in public service and governance. Her work in the school district likely laid the groundwork for her later legislative focus on education-related issues. Jasey resides in South Orange, New Jersey, with her husband, Neil. Together, they have three grown children, which further connects her to the community and its educational landscape.

Legislative service

Mila Jasey was sworn into the New Jersey General Assembly on September 10, 2007, succeeding Mims Hackett, who vacated the seat. Throughout her legislative career, Jasey served five distinct terms, reflecting her sustained support from constituents in the 27th Legislative District. Her service in the Assembly was characterized by her active participation in various legislative initiatives, particularly those related to education and public policy.

One of Jasey’s notable contributions was her role as a lead author of New Jersey's Interdistrict Public School Choice Program, established in 2010. This program aimed to enhance educational opportunities by allowing students to attend schools outside their home districts, thereby promoting diversity and choice in public education. Jasey’s involvement in this initiative underscores her commitment to improving educational access and quality for students across New Jersey.

In addition to her work on the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program, Jasey was also instrumental in authoring legislation that enabled private schools in urban areas to convert to charter schools. This move was part of a broader effort to reform educational systems and provide more options for families in underserved communities. Jasey’s legislative actions reflect her focus on addressing educational disparities and fostering innovative solutions within the public school system.

Throughout her tenure, Jasey held various committee assignments that allowed her to influence key areas of public policy. In the most recent session, she served as the Chair of the Higher Education Committee and as the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee. These leadership roles positioned her to play a significant part in shaping policies that affect higher education institutions and K-12 education in New Jersey. Additionally, she was a member of the Aging and Senior Services Committee and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools, further broadening her legislative impact across different sectors.

Policy focus and district

Mila Jasey represented the 27th Legislative District, which is part of the New Jersey General Assembly. Each legislative district in New Jersey is represented by one senator and two assembly members, and Jasey served alongside Senator Richard Codey and Assemblyman John F. McKeon during the 2022-2023 Legislative Session. The 27th District encompasses a diverse population, and Jasey’s legislative priorities were likely shaped by the unique needs and concerns of her constituents.

Jasey’s policy focus primarily centered around education, reflecting her background in the school system and her commitment to improving educational outcomes for students. Her work on the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program and charter school legislation illustrates her dedication to expanding educational opportunities and fostering a more equitable educational landscape. In her capacity as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, she was involved in discussions and decisions that impacted colleges and universities, addressing issues such as funding, access, and quality of education.

In addition to education, Jasey’s involvement in the Aging and Senior Services Committee indicates her awareness of the needs of older adults in her district. This committee work suggests that she was attentive to the challenges faced by seniors, including healthcare access, social services, and community support systems. By participating in this committee, Jasey demonstrated a holistic approach to public service, recognizing that education and senior services are interconnected aspects of community well-being.

Overall, Mila Jasey’s legislative career was marked by her commitment to education and public service. Her background in history and nursing, combined with her experience on the school board, informed her approach to policy-making. Through her work in the New Jersey General Assembly, she aimed to address the needs of her constituents and contribute to the development of effective public policies that enhance the quality of life in her district. As she concluded her service in 2024, Jasey left a legacy of advocacy for educational reform and community engagement in New Jersey.