Trenton –The New Jersey Legislative Black and Latino caucuses today held a joint news conference where they outlined recommendations that they have submitted to Governor Corzine to help ensure that women and minority-owned businesses receive equal opportunities and access to the billions of economic stimulus dollars that will be dispersed across the State through the New Jersey Economic Assistance Recovery Plan.
“Diversity is our greatest strength and asset, and now more than ever, New Jersey has an affirmative responsibility to develop and maintain equitable practices and policies in the public marketplace,” said Senator Ronald L. Rice, D-Essex, who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus. “Recently we met with Governor Corzine and his staff to present our recommendations for steps that can be taken to help correct some of the mistakes of the past by ensuring that New Jersey’s diversity is reflected in the awarding of government contracts. I believe our meeting was productive in that it provided the ground-work for a new beginning of long-overdue opportunities, and I am confident that these opportunities are soon to come.”
“New Jersey’s many women and minority-owned small businesses must be given an equal opportunity to put our state back to work and pull New Jersey out of the depths of recession,” said Assemblywoman Nellie Pou, D-Passaic, who chairs the New Jersey Latino Caucus. “The impacts of this recession do not care about gender and they are color-blind. If New Jersey is to emerge from this crisis stronger, women and minority-owned businesses must have an equal change to compete for the billions of dollars that will be invested in the name of the economic stimulus.”
Senator Rice and Assemblywoman Pou noted that they held today’s joint news conference to inform the public of the groups’ collective efforts to work with the Governor and their colleagues in the Legislature to ensure that, during these tough economic times, minorities and women are given the same opportunity to earn the construction and professional contracts that will undoubtedly be made available through economic stimulus plan.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Public Safety and Our Communities
I would like to congratulate Council President Rashid Burney on a well-organized, well-run meeting dealing with the issue of public safety here in the City of Plainfield. The public comments and reaction to the meeting were such that every member of the City of Plainfield can be encouraged. There comments and reactions were solid pieces of evidence attesting to the fact that by working together as a community, we can get a lot accomplished!
I was invited by the Council President to participate in the meeting, and I was able to share with the community that as a part of Leadership in our State government, I am invited to participate in such events across the State. I was very happy and proud to attend such an organized, structured, and productive meeting of this nature in my own hometown. When members of the public asked what the City is and has done regarding public safety, I was glad to hear that facts recited to the public: the homicide rate is down, crime in general is down, and the Plainfield Police Department’s determination in taking the necessary steps to ensure public safety in the City and induce pride in our community.
I know the Mayor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs, the Business Administrator, Marc Dashield, Public Safety Director, Martin Hellwig, and the Plainfield Police Department have to be very proud today in what they have accomplished in the last three years in terms of efficiently restructuring the police department. Two members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office not only praised our police division and its reorganization, but also attested to the fact that our police department can be a role model to surrounding towns.
Although we still have work to do in making our city a safer city, I feel that the mayor has set a foundation here in the City that we all can build on. I would recommend to everyone in the community to watch Channel 74 to see last night’s public safety meeting. In addition, I would recommend you stay tuned to Channel 74 so that you can see firsthand the direction the City is taking towards crime prevention, public safety and other issues.
Because this meeting was a City Council meeting, I decided to wait to share more information on some of the solutions to problems that were presented last night in an arena of my own. I will be hosting an informative forum on the issues of re-entry and gangs and their effects on our communities. The forum will be held on Tuesday March 10, from 6pm-8:30pm at the Rose of Sharon Church here in Plainfield, NJ. The meeting will be comprised of a panel of experienced experts from different levels of government and organizations to discuss solutions to crime prevention, containment, and even deterrence. I plan to deviate from the ‘business-as-usual’ type meetings where people come to voice problems and offer no solutions.
If you have any questions concerning the re-entry and gangs public meeting on March 10th 2009, or questions in general, please do not hesitate to call my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
I was invited by the Council President to participate in the meeting, and I was able to share with the community that as a part of Leadership in our State government, I am invited to participate in such events across the State. I was very happy and proud to attend such an organized, structured, and productive meeting of this nature in my own hometown. When members of the public asked what the City is and has done regarding public safety, I was glad to hear that facts recited to the public: the homicide rate is down, crime in general is down, and the Plainfield Police Department’s determination in taking the necessary steps to ensure public safety in the City and induce pride in our community.
I know the Mayor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs, the Business Administrator, Marc Dashield, Public Safety Director, Martin Hellwig, and the Plainfield Police Department have to be very proud today in what they have accomplished in the last three years in terms of efficiently restructuring the police department. Two members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office not only praised our police division and its reorganization, but also attested to the fact that our police department can be a role model to surrounding towns.
Although we still have work to do in making our city a safer city, I feel that the mayor has set a foundation here in the City that we all can build on. I would recommend to everyone in the community to watch Channel 74 to see last night’s public safety meeting. In addition, I would recommend you stay tuned to Channel 74 so that you can see firsthand the direction the City is taking towards crime prevention, public safety and other issues.
Because this meeting was a City Council meeting, I decided to wait to share more information on some of the solutions to problems that were presented last night in an arena of my own. I will be hosting an informative forum on the issues of re-entry and gangs and their effects on our communities. The forum will be held on Tuesday March 10, from 6pm-8:30pm at the Rose of Sharon Church here in Plainfield, NJ. The meeting will be comprised of a panel of experienced experts from different levels of government and organizations to discuss solutions to crime prevention, containment, and even deterrence. I plan to deviate from the ‘business-as-usual’ type meetings where people come to voice problems and offer no solutions.
If you have any questions concerning the re-entry and gangs public meeting on March 10th 2009, or questions in general, please do not hesitate to call my District Office at (908) 561-5757.
Friday, February 20, 2009
A Letter from Union County
Here is a letter I received from George Devanney, the Union County Manager, regarding the ‘Pension Deferral’ bill:
Dear Legislator:
I am writing to urge your support of Senate Bill 14 (A-3688). The importance of the passage of this “Pension Deferral” bill is crucial to the operation of Union County Government in particular and county governments in general.
Union County has put forward a responsible budget that reduces personnel costs in excess of $5 million a year, eliminates services, realized nearly $1 million in new negotiated employee givebacks, increases taxes and generates over $1.5 million in new revenues.
While a component of the budget involves the usage of $4 million in pension deferral monies, we did not arrive at this decision to use the funds lightly. In fact, in ordinary times, we would not require a pension deferral at all and have included a plan to pay this one back responsibly and quickly. We are expecting to generate recurring revenues equivalent to and greater than the amount deferred by 2010 and 2011 in order to reduce the tax impact. Although Union County is eligible to defer one half of its pension liability of $10 million, we are opting to only defer $4 million and have the remaining $6 million held in trust.
We also agree that it is time for government to “tighten our belts”. Therefore we have taken steps to reduce our workforce and economize services. We are still mindful, however, that it must be done responsibly and not in a way that further jeopardizes the economy as a whole.
We are painfully aware that this historic recessionary period has placed extraordinary pressure on property taxpayers. So this pension deferral plan should be looked up as New Jersey’s “stimulus package” to assist local and county governments by staving off further layoffs and reductions in governmental services.
With deteriorating economic conditions affecting all governmental budgets, this is one of very few options which could provide short-term relief just when it is most desperately needed by local budget makers and property taxpayers.
The County of Union is simply requesting the usage of this pension deferral in a limited manner and requests your urgent attention and support to do so.
Sincerely,
George W. Devanney
Union County Manager
Dear Legislator:
I am writing to urge your support of Senate Bill 14 (A-3688). The importance of the passage of this “Pension Deferral” bill is crucial to the operation of Union County Government in particular and county governments in general.
Union County has put forward a responsible budget that reduces personnel costs in excess of $5 million a year, eliminates services, realized nearly $1 million in new negotiated employee givebacks, increases taxes and generates over $1.5 million in new revenues.
While a component of the budget involves the usage of $4 million in pension deferral monies, we did not arrive at this decision to use the funds lightly. In fact, in ordinary times, we would not require a pension deferral at all and have included a plan to pay this one back responsibly and quickly. We are expecting to generate recurring revenues equivalent to and greater than the amount deferred by 2010 and 2011 in order to reduce the tax impact. Although Union County is eligible to defer one half of its pension liability of $10 million, we are opting to only defer $4 million and have the remaining $6 million held in trust.
We also agree that it is time for government to “tighten our belts”. Therefore we have taken steps to reduce our workforce and economize services. We are still mindful, however, that it must be done responsibly and not in a way that further jeopardizes the economy as a whole.
We are painfully aware that this historic recessionary period has placed extraordinary pressure on property taxpayers. So this pension deferral plan should be looked up as New Jersey’s “stimulus package” to assist local and county governments by staving off further layoffs and reductions in governmental services.
With deteriorating economic conditions affecting all governmental budgets, this is one of very few options which could provide short-term relief just when it is most desperately needed by local budget makers and property taxpayers.
The County of Union is simply requesting the usage of this pension deferral in a limited manner and requests your urgent attention and support to do so.
Sincerely,
George W. Devanney
Union County Manager
SDA
NJ Schools Development Authority
**Notice to our neighbors from the New Jersey Schools Development Authority**
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority wishes to provide you with information relative to the construction in the area of the Clinton Elementary School.
On or about the week of February 10, 2009 abatement and demolition work began in the surrounding area of the Clinton Elementary School located at 1302 W. 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. The abatement work requires the removal of asbestos from the existing residential buildings and work is expected to last for approximately four (4) weeks. Following the abatement work, the residential buildings will be demolished. Demolition of the residential buildings is expected to begin March 16, 2009 and last for four (4) weeks.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority wishes to make you aware of the following items concerning this phase of construction:
-The contractor on the construction site is D&K Construction Company
-Construction work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday
-Approximately 5-10 construction trucks and vehicles will be entering and exiting the site during the abatement and demolition phases
-All vehicles will be secured and inspected prior to leaving the site
-Construction traffic will travel along Astor Place to Clinton Avenue, enter and exit the site on Clinton Avenue
-All work will be performed in accordance with the SDA safety protocols
-There will be daily air-monitoring at the site
The completion of abatement and demolition work is anticipated for late Spring 2009. immediately following demolition is the construction of a new playground and is anticipated to be completed by early June 2009. the New Jersey Schools Development Authority will make every effort to minimize disruptions and noise during construction.
Should you have any questions concerning this activity please call Carol A. Murphy, Manager Community Relations at the New Jersey Schools Development at (609) 943-4585. We appreciate your consideration and we will continue to keep you informed in the weeks ahead.
NJ Schools Development Authority
**Notice to our neighbors from the New Jersey Schools Development Authority**
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority wishes to provide you with information relative to the construction in the area of the Clinton Elementary School.
On or about the week of February 10, 2009 abatement and demolition work began in the surrounding area of the Clinton Elementary School located at 1302 W. 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. The abatement work requires the removal of asbestos from the existing residential buildings and work is expected to last for approximately four (4) weeks. Following the abatement work, the residential buildings will be demolished. Demolition of the residential buildings is expected to begin March 16, 2009 and last for four (4) weeks.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority wishes to make you aware of the following items concerning this phase of construction:
-The contractor on the construction site is D&K Construction Company
-Construction work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday
-Approximately 5-10 construction trucks and vehicles will be entering and exiting the site during the abatement and demolition phases
-All vehicles will be secured and inspected prior to leaving the site
-Construction traffic will travel along Astor Place to Clinton Avenue, enter and exit the site on Clinton Avenue
-All work will be performed in accordance with the SDA safety protocols
-There will be daily air-monitoring at the site
The completion of abatement and demolition work is anticipated for late Spring 2009. immediately following demolition is the construction of a new playground and is anticipated to be completed by early June 2009. the New Jersey Schools Development Authority will make every effort to minimize disruptions and noise during construction.
Should you have any questions concerning this activity please call Carol A. Murphy, Manager Community Relations at the New Jersey Schools Development at (609) 943-4585. We appreciate your consideration and we will continue to keep you informed in the weeks ahead.
The NJSDA and Plainfield Schools
I attended a meeting with people from the 4th ward community of Plainfield as well as the New Jersey School Development Authority. It was a very helpful and informative meeting. With the help of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, NJSDA, I was able to provide the community with information that in the past, they were not able to receive. The money to finish off the Cook School project as well as the Emerson School project is available. Although we recognized in Trenton there were a lot of problems, I would like to congratulate the new CEO, Kris Kolluri, who heads the NJSDA Corporation. We are now able to move forward with the 2008 Capital Plan, which includes funding for Woodland School.
I am going to, in the future; share as much information as I possibly can with the community, because it is clear in the City of Plainfield that there is more misinformation going around than truth, which leaves people confused.
The letter explains where the Capital Funding, $17 million, for Woodland School has been approved but the school district itself would like to see that project put on the side so that the Cook School project can be carried out. The reason why I am sharing this information with the public is because I feel that decision should be made between the school district and the people in the City. Surely this will avert any finger-pointing practices when decisions are finally made, for all opinion would have been given and discussed. I solicited and fought for the funds, and now it is ultimately up to the school district to make the right decisions as to how that funding will be spent.
The reason why I am sharing the letter I received from the NJSDA is because there is currently a credibility issue here in the City and I would like to feel that any information I can share with the public, I am prepared to share it. I believe it is very important to have first-hand information that is correct and accurate, so that when people attend informational meetings, the public is able to ask accurate questions.
After reading this letter, it is clear that the City has not missed any deadlines regarding seeking and qualifying for school funding.
So here is a letter I received from the NJSDA regarding the funding and request swap as per letter.
SDA
New Jersey School Development Authority
February 15, 2009
Dear Assemblyman Green:
This letter is to provide project specific information to you regarding Plainfield’s schools as a follow-up with your recent conversations with Kris Kolluri, NJSDA’s new CEO. There are several attachments to this letter. The first attachment is a summary of all the projects in your legislative district, its nature and how much has been paid to date by the SDA. As you can see there are a few grants (Plainfield, Clark, and Green Brook) that have been approved by the SDA, but have not been allocated to date. There could be many reasons for this, but to date the SDA does not have a record of response from the respective districts as to the status of these projects.
Also, on page four of the first attachment, you will see that Woodland Elementary School was an approved project utilizing new funds from the 2008 Capital Plan. It is our understanding that the district has requested a swap from the DOE of Woodland ES for the Cook ES project. We have been informed by the DOE that they are still in discussions with the District on the program and model for the proposed swap. Resolutions of the program and model issues are the required next steps in advancing this project.
The second attachment is a list of the top 10 projects in Plainfield, identified by the district that could be addressed with federal stimulus funding. The SDA is working in concert with the Governor’s office to ensure that any available funds for school construction be used quickly and equitably. When we have more information on which projects will be funded, we will be sure to provide you with an update.
I am going to, in the future; share as much information as I possibly can with the community, because it is clear in the City of Plainfield that there is more misinformation going around than truth, which leaves people confused.
The letter explains where the Capital Funding, $17 million, for Woodland School has been approved but the school district itself would like to see that project put on the side so that the Cook School project can be carried out. The reason why I am sharing this information with the public is because I feel that decision should be made between the school district and the people in the City. Surely this will avert any finger-pointing practices when decisions are finally made, for all opinion would have been given and discussed. I solicited and fought for the funds, and now it is ultimately up to the school district to make the right decisions as to how that funding will be spent.
The reason why I am sharing the letter I received from the NJSDA is because there is currently a credibility issue here in the City and I would like to feel that any information I can share with the public, I am prepared to share it. I believe it is very important to have first-hand information that is correct and accurate, so that when people attend informational meetings, the public is able to ask accurate questions.
After reading this letter, it is clear that the City has not missed any deadlines regarding seeking and qualifying for school funding.
So here is a letter I received from the NJSDA regarding the funding and request swap as per letter.
SDA
New Jersey School Development Authority
February 15, 2009
Dear Assemblyman Green:
This letter is to provide project specific information to you regarding Plainfield’s schools as a follow-up with your recent conversations with Kris Kolluri, NJSDA’s new CEO. There are several attachments to this letter. The first attachment is a summary of all the projects in your legislative district, its nature and how much has been paid to date by the SDA. As you can see there are a few grants (Plainfield, Clark, and Green Brook) that have been approved by the SDA, but have not been allocated to date. There could be many reasons for this, but to date the SDA does not have a record of response from the respective districts as to the status of these projects.
Also, on page four of the first attachment, you will see that Woodland Elementary School was an approved project utilizing new funds from the 2008 Capital Plan. It is our understanding that the district has requested a swap from the DOE of Woodland ES for the Cook ES project. We have been informed by the DOE that they are still in discussions with the District on the program and model for the proposed swap. Resolutions of the program and model issues are the required next steps in advancing this project.
The second attachment is a list of the top 10 projects in Plainfield, identified by the district that could be addressed with federal stimulus funding. The SDA is working in concert with the Governor’s office to ensure that any available funds for school construction be used quickly and equitably. When we have more information on which projects will be funded, we will be sure to provide you with an update.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb. 19, 2009; Clear and Concise
I would like to share with the blog readers today that the mayor and council is prepared to sign off on a list of commitments that Solaris as well as the State has been well aware of for the last six months. On another note, it is starting to become somewhat comical of some of the comments I am reading in the blogging community.
One blogger had nerve to finally tell the truth: He said he is being told… My question is, by whom?? He is being told that Solaris has already responded to the issue dealing with the ambulance. Fortunately that cannot be true because it is still being worked out and the City is prepared to make sure that this issue does not stand in the way from getting a signed document which will allow the City to move ahead with what is on the table.
His statements finally made me recognize how low some people will go in order to get attention. My understanding from their writing is that I personally signed off on the closing of Muhlenberg. Just as I have petitioned him for physical evidence of his works while receiving $65,000 per year under the previous administration, I would like him to physically produce evidence of my personally signing on the closure of Muhlenberg. The community knows full well my sincerity in this matter.
Maybe he got me confused with Ron West, his former colleague in the past administration. Everyday people are calling me regarding to the loss of respect they have for Dan Damon with the blatancy of lies he puts out day-in and day-out. That information helps no one.
At least he was honest when he made the statement, ‘I’m being told’. It is very clear to me that he is getting his answers from a tabloid source.
One blogger had nerve to finally tell the truth: He said he is being told… My question is, by whom?? He is being told that Solaris has already responded to the issue dealing with the ambulance. Fortunately that cannot be true because it is still being worked out and the City is prepared to make sure that this issue does not stand in the way from getting a signed document which will allow the City to move ahead with what is on the table.
His statements finally made me recognize how low some people will go in order to get attention. My understanding from their writing is that I personally signed off on the closing of Muhlenberg. Just as I have petitioned him for physical evidence of his works while receiving $65,000 per year under the previous administration, I would like him to physically produce evidence of my personally signing on the closure of Muhlenberg. The community knows full well my sincerity in this matter.
Maybe he got me confused with Ron West, his former colleague in the past administration. Everyday people are calling me regarding to the loss of respect they have for Dan Damon with the blatancy of lies he puts out day-in and day-out. That information helps no one.
At least he was honest when he made the statement, ‘I’m being told’. It is very clear to me that he is getting his answers from a tabloid source.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Plainfield Rescue Squad Issue; Muhlenberg Recap
In the past few days I have had the opportunity to talk to the Mayor Robinson-Briggs and her staff, as well as Council President Rashid Burney regarding the Plainfield Rescue Squad issue. As usual, there is misinformation in the community that deals with this issue. The public however, is beginning to realize that there are two sides to this issue: one side being the City of Plainfield’s side, with the other side belonging to Solaris, Muhlenberg’s board, which is compromised of New Democrats. So let us level the playing grounds so that everyone accurately understands who in fact care about the core wellness of the City of Plainfield.
In the last six months, we have accomplished a lot in terms of making sure the residents of Plainfield and surrounding communities receive the best medical care not only from Solaris, but also from the surrounding hospitals. Because the ambulance issue is a part of a group of other concerns in the lawsuit, I have asked the Mayor and Council President to finalize their concerns and send them to the State. They will separate our concerns from other organizations involved in the lawsuit who are trying to lump us together with their distractions, which would in turn, slow our process.
The City needs to move forward in promoting health services pertaining to the Plainfield residents. This issue is one that on a weekly basis, the Taskforce and I have been constantly in communication with the Health Department. I would like to shed light on that fact that 1), there was a commitment by Solaris to increase the ambulance service and 2); a commitment was made by the State to offer aid to our health services in lieu of Muhlenberg closing. This past week, the State made good on their word by giving the Plainfield Health Center $644,250 for health care services.
Each premise my taskforce and I have submitted within the past six months have been carefully researched and deemed legal and do-able. For example, Solaris did not want to put a price on the Muhlenberg campus, with their position being that it was illegal for them to do so. After focused research into the matter from the State, Solaris was told that their delay in putting a price on the campus was not acceptable, and they are legally able to put price the campus. This allowed for the campus to have a price tag put on it, advancing the purchasing incentive.
Also, this Taskforce is entirely different from the one that was initially recommended. It is one that operates and is driven by community input that the one previously established. This is why we, the Taskforce and myself, have asked the Mayor and Council President to finalize their recommendations, moving the process forward and making in easier for Solaris to say ‘yea’ or ‘nay’. We cannot afford for this process to delay any longer, especially when our Taskforce and the City are ready to move forward.
Ps. I am constantly being reminded that it was Muhlenberg’s Board, made up of New Democrats, who initiated the closing of Muhlenberg by submitting a letter to the State asking for such action to commence. They did not realize the magnitude of their action and the backlash that would follow from the community. I just hope and pray that their families do not succumb to the subpar treatment others in our community and surrounding neighborhoods have been exposed to due to their actions.
In the last six months, we have accomplished a lot in terms of making sure the residents of Plainfield and surrounding communities receive the best medical care not only from Solaris, but also from the surrounding hospitals. Because the ambulance issue is a part of a group of other concerns in the lawsuit, I have asked the Mayor and Council President to finalize their concerns and send them to the State. They will separate our concerns from other organizations involved in the lawsuit who are trying to lump us together with their distractions, which would in turn, slow our process.
The City needs to move forward in promoting health services pertaining to the Plainfield residents. This issue is one that on a weekly basis, the Taskforce and I have been constantly in communication with the Health Department. I would like to shed light on that fact that 1), there was a commitment by Solaris to increase the ambulance service and 2); a commitment was made by the State to offer aid to our health services in lieu of Muhlenberg closing. This past week, the State made good on their word by giving the Plainfield Health Center $644,250 for health care services.
Each premise my taskforce and I have submitted within the past six months have been carefully researched and deemed legal and do-able. For example, Solaris did not want to put a price on the Muhlenberg campus, with their position being that it was illegal for them to do so. After focused research into the matter from the State, Solaris was told that their delay in putting a price on the campus was not acceptable, and they are legally able to put price the campus. This allowed for the campus to have a price tag put on it, advancing the purchasing incentive.
Also, this Taskforce is entirely different from the one that was initially recommended. It is one that operates and is driven by community input that the one previously established. This is why we, the Taskforce and myself, have asked the Mayor and Council President to finalize their recommendations, moving the process forward and making in easier for Solaris to say ‘yea’ or ‘nay’. We cannot afford for this process to delay any longer, especially when our Taskforce and the City are ready to move forward.
Ps. I am constantly being reminded that it was Muhlenberg’s Board, made up of New Democrats, who initiated the closing of Muhlenberg by submitting a letter to the State asking for such action to commence. They did not realize the magnitude of their action and the backlash that would follow from the community. I just hope and pray that their families do not succumb to the subpar treatment others in our community and surrounding neighborhoods have been exposed to due to their actions.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Governor Corzine with Additional Budget Cuts
I would like to take this time now to share with the public the additional budget cuts Governor Jon Corzine will be making to keep our state budget afloat during these harsh economic times. Also, as a part of Leadership within the New Jersey State General Assembly, the Speaker of the House Joe Roberts, along with Majority Leader Bonnie Watson-Coleman, and I, the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly, it is our duty to manage postings of legislation. Thus when I am informed of information from the top, meaning from the Governor and my Leadership colleagues, I am also sure to relay that information to my district in its entirety. Therefore, in the spirit of fulfilling a duty as Leadership I am writing to inform my district of this newly announced budget information from our Governor. These sorts of information, budgeting and other important issues, are the types in which Leadership monitors, discusses, and shares. With that, here is the press release:
Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced a total of $3.6 billion in budget cuts and other actions to keep the state budget balanced in the wake of further declining revenues resulting from the national and global economic recession.
“We are in unprecedented times, and therefore unprecedented action is necessary to keep the state on sound financial footing,” Governor Corzine said. “With revenues continuing to trend downward, we must take appropriate steps to continue to live within our means.”
State Treasurer David Rousseau reported earlier today that state revenue collections for January fell $526 million – nearly 18 percent below projections. Through January, total revenues are now $1.33 billion under projections for Fiscal Year 2009, which translates to a $2.8 billion shortfall by the end of the fiscal year. In early January, Governor Corzine announced $2.1 billion in cuts and other budget-balancing measures based on revenue collections at the time.
Fiscal Year 2009 spending levels are now expected to come in at $31.6 billion, more than $4 billion less than projections when the budget process began last year.
Now, Governor Corzine said, the combination of a $2.8 billion shortfall and an additional $800 million in needed spending requires a total of $3.6 billion in cuts. Among additional spending needs is a replenishment of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to prevent a statutory tax increase on employers of nearly 25 percent – a trigger that would further threaten the state’s economy.
“We have a legal obligation to balance the budget, and we also have a moral obligation – a duty to taxpayers – to ensure that we are fiscally responsible in the way we reshape state government,” Governor Corzine said.
The budget cuts and other action Governor Corzine announced include:
-A requirement that all state employees take two unpaid furlough days in May and June, saving $35 million;
-Redirecting $160 million in balances from dedicated funds to support programs currently supported by general taxpayer funds. About half of these funds will be used to help avoid the Unemployment Insurance tax increase;
-Requesting the Legislature to enact a Tax Amnesty Program, which is expected to generate $100 million;
-Utilizing $500 million that was previously set aside for debt relief and $200 million available from the Fiscal Year 2008 budget surplus;
-Accessing $450 million from the Rainy Day Fund.
In addition, the state is expected to receive about $850 million from the federal stimulus package, scheduled to be signed into law Tuesday afternoon by President Barack Obama.
“President Obama has acted quickly and decisively in addressing the national economic crisis, and in doing so, has helped ease the economic burden of an entire nation,” Governor Corzine said. “The measures the President has taken are particularly effective in concert with steps we took as a result of our Joint Session of the Legislature on New Jersey’s economy in October.”
Governor Corzine said these cuts, cost reductions and other actions are expected to total $3.6 billion, which will allow the state budget to remain balanced with a $150 million surplus.
“The cuts we have made so far this year are just part of the actions we will need to take to deal with this unprecedented economic crisis,” Governor Corzine said. “We hope the adjustments we make today will allow us to get through the year, but if revenues continue to decline, we will have to find additional actions to maintain our balanced budget obligation.”
Plainfield 4th Ward Feedback; Community Project Info Updates
This past Friday evening Mayor Robinson-Briggs, the Solaris management team, and I were invited to the 4th Ward of Plainfield to listen to the concerns dealing with health issues in the 4th ward. The comments and expressions of these residents were very touching because of the genuine nature of these expressions regarding Muhlenberg’s closing and the services at the Plainfield Health Center not being up to par. The residents acknowledge that fact that the influx of patients at the health center is higher than normal, but they will not accept this truth as an excuse for subpar health services.
One main issue that the residents of the 4th ward highlighted was transportation. A lot of the residents feel that they are not treated fairly or equally because of their geographic location. It was made clear by me, the mayor, and the management team that this sort of discriminatory practice would not persist when it comes to transportation and health services being administered. A taskforce has been assembled to dismantle these sorts of practices to ensure that equality and fairness is administered across the board, regardless of where one may live. Also, referencing the problem with transportation, we agreed on a new ambulance for the community six months ago and yet we are still waiting for final word on it.
I was happy to share with the public the news of the State of New Jersey awarding the Plainfield Health Center $644,250. These monies can certainly aim to offset concerns raised at this neighborhood meeting, as well as those raised by the city as a whole, including those which were voiced by neighboring communities. The Plainfield Health Center received more money that any other facility of its nature here in New Jersey, and we do not plan on stopping there.
As was stated at the meeting, we need to stop finger-pointing and move in the direction of unified problem-solving. The health crisis is a nation-wide crisis, which has individual affects on every level of government across the nation. Blaming the governor or any other elected official for the crisis that former President George Bush put us in is not acceptable, nor is it accurate. Therefore, a team-working effort is what is needed in this time of trial, not a critical viewpoint.
I will be meeting with the mayor and council president this week to finalize what we consider a commitment from the State and Solaris in terms of what commitments were made in the past six months. It is important to finalize these agreements because of the fact that we need to have a taskforce in place to deal with these issues and crises that our cities and State are facing when it comes to medical care. I think that if anyone has anything they feel will contribute to the solution, this taskforce will be more than willing to listen and work together. With the over $2 billion in revenue New Jersey will be receiving to help strengthen our health industry, it is clear that the President and our governor has recognized the health crisis facing this country and our State. I am also happy to see that through the strong leadership here in the City of Plainfield, the City will be benefitting from the state relief.
The next issue we are dealing with though my office, the mayor’s office, and the State, is identifying road projects and school projects in the City that are ready to go and that meet the qualifications that are set by the federal government. Commissioner Steve Diltz, Chairman of the Board of NJ TRANSIT, has been in constant communication regarding road projects that have been ready to begin work on, but were only lacking the financial backing. Now that the money is beginning to flow in this direction, we want to make sure that Plainfield residents are considered first for these Plainfield jobs. Hopefully, this sort of initiative will allow for us to offshoot the spiking local unemployment rate of ten percent.
Already from the school construction bonding money from last year, Plainfield’s school district will be receiving over $17 million. We are now looking to move ahead with the superintendent of schools to delegate which projects we can advance. We are looking to improve our community from Good, to Better, to BEST!
One main issue that the residents of the 4th ward highlighted was transportation. A lot of the residents feel that they are not treated fairly or equally because of their geographic location. It was made clear by me, the mayor, and the management team that this sort of discriminatory practice would not persist when it comes to transportation and health services being administered. A taskforce has been assembled to dismantle these sorts of practices to ensure that equality and fairness is administered across the board, regardless of where one may live. Also, referencing the problem with transportation, we agreed on a new ambulance for the community six months ago and yet we are still waiting for final word on it.
I was happy to share with the public the news of the State of New Jersey awarding the Plainfield Health Center $644,250. These monies can certainly aim to offset concerns raised at this neighborhood meeting, as well as those raised by the city as a whole, including those which were voiced by neighboring communities. The Plainfield Health Center received more money that any other facility of its nature here in New Jersey, and we do not plan on stopping there.
As was stated at the meeting, we need to stop finger-pointing and move in the direction of unified problem-solving. The health crisis is a nation-wide crisis, which has individual affects on every level of government across the nation. Blaming the governor or any other elected official for the crisis that former President George Bush put us in is not acceptable, nor is it accurate. Therefore, a team-working effort is what is needed in this time of trial, not a critical viewpoint.
I will be meeting with the mayor and council president this week to finalize what we consider a commitment from the State and Solaris in terms of what commitments were made in the past six months. It is important to finalize these agreements because of the fact that we need to have a taskforce in place to deal with these issues and crises that our cities and State are facing when it comes to medical care. I think that if anyone has anything they feel will contribute to the solution, this taskforce will be more than willing to listen and work together. With the over $2 billion in revenue New Jersey will be receiving to help strengthen our health industry, it is clear that the President and our governor has recognized the health crisis facing this country and our State. I am also happy to see that through the strong leadership here in the City of Plainfield, the City will be benefitting from the state relief.
The next issue we are dealing with though my office, the mayor’s office, and the State, is identifying road projects and school projects in the City that are ready to go and that meet the qualifications that are set by the federal government. Commissioner Steve Diltz, Chairman of the Board of NJ TRANSIT, has been in constant communication regarding road projects that have been ready to begin work on, but were only lacking the financial backing. Now that the money is beginning to flow in this direction, we want to make sure that Plainfield residents are considered first for these Plainfield jobs. Hopefully, this sort of initiative will allow for us to offshoot the spiking local unemployment rate of ten percent.
Already from the school construction bonding money from last year, Plainfield’s school district will be receiving over $17 million. We are now looking to move ahead with the superintendent of schools to delegate which projects we can advance. We are looking to improve our community from Good, to Better, to BEST!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Plainfield Health Center To Receive $644,250 of New Funding
I would like to share with you some great news. Today, the Governor announced that community health centers will receive more grant money. The Plainfield Health Center is due to receive nearly $650,000 because of the efforts of myself, my legislative office, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, the Plainfield City Council, and our Task Force. Well done. I have provided the press release for your information below.
Governor Corzine, Commissioner Howard Visit Henry J. Austin Health Center; $5 Million Investment in Health Care Safety Net to Hire Staff, Expand Services
Trenton—Governor Jon S. Corzine joined Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard today for the announcement of $5 million in grants to help community health centers hire staff, extend hours and expand access to prenatal and primary care.
“During this time of economic crisis, it is imperative that we protect our health care safety net,’’ said Governor Corzine. “Federally Qualified Health Centers are the perfect example of the types of facilities and institutions we as a nation must leverage during this recession: ready-to-go programs with already-established systems of delivering low-cost services to our most vulnerable —the unemployed, the uninsured and people who need medical care.”
Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard said priority for the funds was given to expanding access to prenatal care by increasing the number of obstetricians and nurse midwives and strengthening the health care safety net in medically underserved areas.
“Expanding access to prenatal and primary care during these difficult economic times is more important now than ever before,” Commissioner Howard said. “This funding will improve services in critical areas where hospitals have closed and it will help ensure that women have healthy babies.’’
Sixteen community health centers will receive grants ranging from $153,600 to $644,250 to hire OB/GYNs, nurse midwives and support staff; buy equipment or expand hours on weeknight evenings and weekends. The average grant is $250,000
The Henry J. Austin Health Center at Ewing Street, where the grants were announced, will use its $255,600 grant to hire an OB/GYN, buy an ultrasound machine, and add five staff to operate a call center for patients seeking medical appointments.
Walter Isaacs, chief executive officer of the Henry J. Austin Health Center, said the funding will “help us meet the existing demand and strengthen our OB/GYN services.’’ The health center handled prenatal care and deliveries for 307 babies last year and is seeing more prenatal care patients than ever before, Isaacs said.
The North Hudson Community Action Corp., which provides primary care at eight locations in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties, will use its $450,000 grant to renovate space and purchase equipment for its Hackensack site and to expand hours to include Sundays and evening hours four nights a week at its West New York site. The Horizon Health Center in Jersey City will use its $298,468 grant to staff a satellite facility in Bayonne, where a prenatal clinic closed in June of 2006.
“These expansion dollars will help to increase services, sites, and providers who serve the most needy in our state,’’ said Katherine Grant-Davis, President and CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association. “We are acutely aware of the budget issues facing this state, rising unemployment- rising numbers of uninsured- closure of hospitals, and the general economic downturn. That is why the awarding of grant dollars to the Federally Qualified Health Centers is so extraordinary in this day and time.’’
More than 300,000 patients received care in community health centers last year, and visits are expected to increase between 3 and 4 percent because of the economic downturn. The 20 centers, with a total of 90 sites, provide primary and preventive health services to patients who are either uninsured, enrolled in FamilyCare or recipients of Medicaid and Medicare.
Today’s announcement at the Henry J. Austin Health Center is part of Commissioner Howard’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the importance of preconception and prenatal health. Since the campaign began last October, Commissioner Howard has visited health centers, Women, Infants and Children clinics, college campuses and a community baby shower to urge women to maintain a healthy lifestyle before, during and in between pregnancies.
The centers that received expansion funding are:
· Camcare, $303,776 to hire staff and buy medical equipment and supplies for a new site, HOPE VI in southern Camden
· Eric B. Chandler in New Brunswick, $251,880 for equipment
· Community Health Care in Cumberland County, $240,526 to expand women’s services at four sites.
· Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton, $255,600 to expand OB/GYN services and hire staff to operate a call center for patients seeking appointments
· Horizon Health Center in Jersey City, $298,468 to staff a satellite facility in Bayonne, where a prenatal clinic closed in June of 2006.
· Jewish Renaissance in Perth Amboy, $276,742 to hire a dentist and hygienist and to buy a new ultrasound system
· Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City, $266,700 to hire an OB/GYN and nurse midwife.
· Monmouth Family Health Center, $275,000 for renovations and dental supplies
· Newark Community Health Center, $365,400 to hire an OB/GYN, nurse midwife and expand OB/GYN services
· Neighborhood Health Services Corp. in Plainfield, $644,250 to ensure access to a medically underserved population affected by the closing of their community hospital
· North Hudson Community Action Center, $450,000 for salaries, equipment, renovations and program expenses for its Hackensack site.
· Ocean Health Initiatives, $200,000 for expansion services to seniors in Manchester and Lacey Township
· Paterson Community Health Center, $153,625 to fund an outreach manager and workers
· Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers in Hammonton, $240,000 to expand OB/GYN services
· Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, $176,154, to fund nurse midwife consultants, hire an outreach worker and buy medical supplies
· Zufall Health Center in Dover, $200,000 to make renovations to their new satellite in Morristown.
# # #
Governor Corzine, Commissioner Howard Visit Henry J. Austin Health Center; $5 Million Investment in Health Care Safety Net to Hire Staff, Expand Services
Trenton—Governor Jon S. Corzine joined Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard today for the announcement of $5 million in grants to help community health centers hire staff, extend hours and expand access to prenatal and primary care.
“During this time of economic crisis, it is imperative that we protect our health care safety net,’’ said Governor Corzine. “Federally Qualified Health Centers are the perfect example of the types of facilities and institutions we as a nation must leverage during this recession: ready-to-go programs with already-established systems of delivering low-cost services to our most vulnerable —the unemployed, the uninsured and people who need medical care.”
Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard said priority for the funds was given to expanding access to prenatal care by increasing the number of obstetricians and nurse midwives and strengthening the health care safety net in medically underserved areas.
“Expanding access to prenatal and primary care during these difficult economic times is more important now than ever before,” Commissioner Howard said. “This funding will improve services in critical areas where hospitals have closed and it will help ensure that women have healthy babies.’’
Sixteen community health centers will receive grants ranging from $153,600 to $644,250 to hire OB/GYNs, nurse midwives and support staff; buy equipment or expand hours on weeknight evenings and weekends. The average grant is $250,000
The Henry J. Austin Health Center at Ewing Street, where the grants were announced, will use its $255,600 grant to hire an OB/GYN, buy an ultrasound machine, and add five staff to operate a call center for patients seeking medical appointments.
Walter Isaacs, chief executive officer of the Henry J. Austin Health Center, said the funding will “help us meet the existing demand and strengthen our OB/GYN services.’’ The health center handled prenatal care and deliveries for 307 babies last year and is seeing more prenatal care patients than ever before, Isaacs said.
The North Hudson Community Action Corp., which provides primary care at eight locations in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties, will use its $450,000 grant to renovate space and purchase equipment for its Hackensack site and to expand hours to include Sundays and evening hours four nights a week at its West New York site. The Horizon Health Center in Jersey City will use its $298,468 grant to staff a satellite facility in Bayonne, where a prenatal clinic closed in June of 2006.
“These expansion dollars will help to increase services, sites, and providers who serve the most needy in our state,’’ said Katherine Grant-Davis, President and CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association. “We are acutely aware of the budget issues facing this state, rising unemployment- rising numbers of uninsured- closure of hospitals, and the general economic downturn. That is why the awarding of grant dollars to the Federally Qualified Health Centers is so extraordinary in this day and time.’’
More than 300,000 patients received care in community health centers last year, and visits are expected to increase between 3 and 4 percent because of the economic downturn. The 20 centers, with a total of 90 sites, provide primary and preventive health services to patients who are either uninsured, enrolled in FamilyCare or recipients of Medicaid and Medicare.
Today’s announcement at the Henry J. Austin Health Center is part of Commissioner Howard’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the importance of preconception and prenatal health. Since the campaign began last October, Commissioner Howard has visited health centers, Women, Infants and Children clinics, college campuses and a community baby shower to urge women to maintain a healthy lifestyle before, during and in between pregnancies.
The centers that received expansion funding are:
· Camcare, $303,776 to hire staff and buy medical equipment and supplies for a new site, HOPE VI in southern Camden
· Eric B. Chandler in New Brunswick, $251,880 for equipment
· Community Health Care in Cumberland County, $240,526 to expand women’s services at four sites.
· Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton, $255,600 to expand OB/GYN services and hire staff to operate a call center for patients seeking appointments
· Horizon Health Center in Jersey City, $298,468 to staff a satellite facility in Bayonne, where a prenatal clinic closed in June of 2006.
· Jewish Renaissance in Perth Amboy, $276,742 to hire a dentist and hygienist and to buy a new ultrasound system
· Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City, $266,700 to hire an OB/GYN and nurse midwife.
· Monmouth Family Health Center, $275,000 for renovations and dental supplies
· Newark Community Health Center, $365,400 to hire an OB/GYN, nurse midwife and expand OB/GYN services
· Neighborhood Health Services Corp. in Plainfield, $644,250 to ensure access to a medically underserved population affected by the closing of their community hospital
· North Hudson Community Action Center, $450,000 for salaries, equipment, renovations and program expenses for its Hackensack site.
· Ocean Health Initiatives, $200,000 for expansion services to seniors in Manchester and Lacey Township
· Paterson Community Health Center, $153,625 to fund an outreach manager and workers
· Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers in Hammonton, $240,000 to expand OB/GYN services
· Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, $176,154, to fund nurse midwife consultants, hire an outreach worker and buy medical supplies
· Zufall Health Center in Dover, $200,000 to make renovations to their new satellite in Morristown.
# # #
OBAMA'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE AND NEW JERSEY
I received this information from the office of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. There has been a lot of confusion regarding what President Obama's economic stimulus plan will mean for New Jersey. This press release from the Senator will hopefully begin to provide some clarity. I hope you find this informative.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2009 CONTACTS:Menendez Press Office 202-224-4744
ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE IMPACT ON NJ: SEN. MENENDEZ SAYS PACKAGE MEANS 100,000 JOBS FOR NJ
**NJ-specific numbers included below**
WASHINGTON – As Congress prepares to take final votes to send the economic recovery package to President Obama’s desk, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is hailing estimates of what it will bring to New Jersey families in jobs, tax relief, provisions for laid-off workers and education.
“First and foremost, this package is going to help start creating and saving jobs in our state,” said Senator Menendez. “Jobs are the most essential piece of any family’s economic situation, and that’s the main focus of this package. We will also help bring economic change that affects the lives of New Jerseyans through relief on their taxes, education for their children and assistance to sustain those who have been laid off.
“I am proud to have been able to contribute measures to this package that I believe will improve the economic situation of New Jersey families. These include the protection of 1.7 million taxpayers in our state from an unexpected tax hike that would have come with the Alternative Minimum Tax. They include assisting cities and towns with energy efficiency and helping families plug into solar energy to create green jobs, lower energy expenses and remove the shackles of foreign oil. And they include increasing education assistance for schoolchildren left homeless by the foreclosure crisis, the silent victims of this recession.
“I am looking forward to casting a vote in favor of this jobs and economic recovery package in the new few days so it can get to work putting New Jerseyans to work.”
Below is an estimate of the economic impact of the recovery package on New Jersey:
· Creating or saving 100,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90% in the private sector. [Source: White House Estimate based on Romer and Bernstein, “The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.” January 9, 2009.]
· Providing a making work pay tax cut of up to $800 for 3,150,000 workers and their families. The plan will make a down payment on the President’s Making Work Pay tax cut for 95% of workers and their families, designed to pay out immediately into workers’ paychecks. [Source: White House Estimate based on IRS Statistics of Income]
· Protecting 1,742,000 New Jerseyans from an unexpected tax raise of up to $5,600. Senator Menendez offered and successfully included a one-year patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax in the recovery plan. The AMT was created years ago to prevent high-income taxpayers from avoiding paying higher taxes, but it was never indexed to inflation and now threatens to hit millions of middle class tax payers. The Menendez provision saves these taxpayers from paying higher taxes. [Source: Democratic Policy Committee estimate: http://dpcvotes.senate.gov/dpcpub/ileaf/fs-111-1-14/states/nj.pdf]
· Making 77,000 families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four years of college, this plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide – and 77,000 families in New Jersey – new assistance to put college within their reach. [Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of U.S. Census data]
· Offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 731,000 workers in New Jersey who have lost their jobs in this recession, and providing extended unemployment benefits to an additional 148,000 laid-off workers. [Source: National Employment Law Project]
· Providing funding sufficient to modernize at least 205 schools in New Jersey so our children have the labs, classrooms and libraries they need to compete in the 21st century economy. [Source: White House Estimate]
· Bringing the State of New Jersey $2.22 billion for Medicaid reimbursement. This is $86 million higher than the amount New Jersey would have received in the compromise Senate version of the package. Senator Menendez led the fight against amendments in the Senate that would have further lowered New Jersey’s allocation of these funds.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2009 CONTACTS:Menendez Press Office 202-224-4744
ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE IMPACT ON NJ: SEN. MENENDEZ SAYS PACKAGE MEANS 100,000 JOBS FOR NJ
**NJ-specific numbers included below**
WASHINGTON – As Congress prepares to take final votes to send the economic recovery package to President Obama’s desk, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez is hailing estimates of what it will bring to New Jersey families in jobs, tax relief, provisions for laid-off workers and education.
“First and foremost, this package is going to help start creating and saving jobs in our state,” said Senator Menendez. “Jobs are the most essential piece of any family’s economic situation, and that’s the main focus of this package. We will also help bring economic change that affects the lives of New Jerseyans through relief on their taxes, education for their children and assistance to sustain those who have been laid off.
“I am proud to have been able to contribute measures to this package that I believe will improve the economic situation of New Jersey families. These include the protection of 1.7 million taxpayers in our state from an unexpected tax hike that would have come with the Alternative Minimum Tax. They include assisting cities and towns with energy efficiency and helping families plug into solar energy to create green jobs, lower energy expenses and remove the shackles of foreign oil. And they include increasing education assistance for schoolchildren left homeless by the foreclosure crisis, the silent victims of this recession.
“I am looking forward to casting a vote in favor of this jobs and economic recovery package in the new few days so it can get to work putting New Jerseyans to work.”
Below is an estimate of the economic impact of the recovery package on New Jersey:
· Creating or saving 100,000 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90% in the private sector. [Source: White House Estimate based on Romer and Bernstein, “The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.” January 9, 2009.]
· Providing a making work pay tax cut of up to $800 for 3,150,000 workers and their families. The plan will make a down payment on the President’s Making Work Pay tax cut for 95% of workers and their families, designed to pay out immediately into workers’ paychecks. [Source: White House Estimate based on IRS Statistics of Income]
· Protecting 1,742,000 New Jerseyans from an unexpected tax raise of up to $5,600. Senator Menendez offered and successfully included a one-year patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax in the recovery plan. The AMT was created years ago to prevent high-income taxpayers from avoiding paying higher taxes, but it was never indexed to inflation and now threatens to hit millions of middle class tax payers. The Menendez provision saves these taxpayers from paying higher taxes. [Source: Democratic Policy Committee estimate: http://dpcvotes.senate.gov/dpcpub/ileaf/fs-111-1-14/states/nj.pdf]
· Making 77,000 families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four years of college, this plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide – and 77,000 families in New Jersey – new assistance to put college within their reach. [Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of U.S. Census data]
· Offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 731,000 workers in New Jersey who have lost their jobs in this recession, and providing extended unemployment benefits to an additional 148,000 laid-off workers. [Source: National Employment Law Project]
· Providing funding sufficient to modernize at least 205 schools in New Jersey so our children have the labs, classrooms and libraries they need to compete in the 21st century economy. [Source: White House Estimate]
· Bringing the State of New Jersey $2.22 billion for Medicaid reimbursement. This is $86 million higher than the amount New Jersey would have received in the compromise Senate version of the package. Senator Menendez led the fight against amendments in the Senate that would have further lowered New Jersey’s allocation of these funds.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
An Invitation to Join the PPA in Your District!
I received this invitation and would like to extend the invite to our entire 22nd District. This event is both informative and helpful in helping those who need it when it comes to affording their prescription medicines. Enjoy.
Dear Friend:
Rx4NJ – a program designed for patients who need help affording their prescription medicines – has helped nearly 300,000 New Jerseyans get their medicines for free (or nearly free) since it was launched four years ago.
During this current economic crisis, even more New Jerseyans will need help affording their prescription medicines. For this reason, New Jersey’s pharmaceutical and medical technology community has agreed to “re-launch” Rx4NJ in order to remind patients, caregivers, health care providers and community activists about this program.
The Rx4NJ campaign’s re-launch will continue in your district with a Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus stop at 8:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the One Stop Career Center in Plainfield. The bus will be on-hand during this time to lend assistance to patients applying for free medicine.
Rx4NJ has been tremendously helpful to many New Jerseyans over the past four years, and we would be honored if you could join us at the Rx4NJ bus and help us broadcast the availability of Rx4NJ to New Jersey’s neediest patients.
For questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact HINJ Government Affairs representative John Duthie at (908) 212-0333 or via email at duthie@hinj.org. Thank you.
Dear Friend:
Rx4NJ – a program designed for patients who need help affording their prescription medicines – has helped nearly 300,000 New Jerseyans get their medicines for free (or nearly free) since it was launched four years ago.
During this current economic crisis, even more New Jerseyans will need help affording their prescription medicines. For this reason, New Jersey’s pharmaceutical and medical technology community has agreed to “re-launch” Rx4NJ in order to remind patients, caregivers, health care providers and community activists about this program.
The Rx4NJ campaign’s re-launch will continue in your district with a Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus stop at 8:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the One Stop Career Center in Plainfield. The bus will be on-hand during this time to lend assistance to patients applying for free medicine.
Rx4NJ has been tremendously helpful to many New Jerseyans over the past four years, and we would be honored if you could join us at the Rx4NJ bus and help us broadcast the availability of Rx4NJ to New Jersey’s neediest patients.
For questions or to confirm your attendance, please contact HINJ Government Affairs representative John Duthie at (908) 212-0333 or via email at duthie@hinj.org. Thank you.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Health Issues
I would like to take this time to update our Plainfield community and the surrounding neighborhoods on the status of the Muhlenberg campus. In my discussions with the State Health Commissioner Heather Howard regarding health in New Jersey, I voiced a few serious health issues regarding our communities and our State. The first was that we both agreed that in this year’s budget, we do everything possible to make sure there are no more cuts in the healthcare budget. In fact, with the current negotiations going on in Washington, there is a possibility that stimulus funding is going to filter into New Jersey’s health budget. Again though, the amount and its uses are subject to the language and guidelines of the federal government.
The second issue I presented to Commissioner Howard was that six months after the closing of Muhlenberg, Plainfield residents, along with residents from neighboring communities, are STILL not satisfied with the healthcare they are receiving, especially from the Emergency Room at JFK Hospital. My office has been receiving many calls from our residents and neighbors who have not been able to attain adequate health services. These residents are expressing feelings of discouragement and frustration. This can no longer be the case.
Another topic of discussion with the Commissioner was that it has been six months since the City of Plainfield submitted recommendations to the Commissioner that would set the guidelines regarding how healthcare services would be given to the Plainfield area by Solaris and other hospitals. Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs has a proposal on the table dealing with these recommendations given to the State of New Jersey in terms of the relationship the community wants to have with Solaris pertaining to their delivery of healthcare services to Plainfield and the surrounding communities.
A problem we are facing in moving forward with these recommendations the City of Plainfield has proposed is that Solaris does not want to move forward in the same direction. However, I have been told by the State that whatever agreement the City of Plainfield, the State, and Solaris has already made, they will ensure that such agreements are honored. I recommended to the mayor and Solaris that this issue needs to be bought to a close so that we can move forward with the taskforce, who will have the ability to make sure that the commitments being made are followed through. In talking to the mayor and her legal staff, who have put a proposal on the table, it is time now for Solaris and the State to support it.
The two most important issues in dealing with this problem are having the taskforce in place and in full effect, as well as putting a price on the Muhlenberg campus. Initially, Solaris’ concern was that by law, they said they could not put a price on the campus. However, after my staff and Commissioner Howard’s team researched the matter, it was determined that such information was not the case. This is how we were able to put a price on the Muhlenberg campus. When the economic market changes and the financial crisis takes a turn for the better, we are very confident we will find a developer who will reopen the hospital to a full-service hospital, a task we have not been able to pursue this past year. This was because developers were frightened in pursuing a project that did not have a price-tag on it. Now that our research has enabled us to put a price-tag on the campus, we are now fully opened to the market.
The second issue I presented to Commissioner Howard was that six months after the closing of Muhlenberg, Plainfield residents, along with residents from neighboring communities, are STILL not satisfied with the healthcare they are receiving, especially from the Emergency Room at JFK Hospital. My office has been receiving many calls from our residents and neighbors who have not been able to attain adequate health services. These residents are expressing feelings of discouragement and frustration. This can no longer be the case.
Another topic of discussion with the Commissioner was that it has been six months since the City of Plainfield submitted recommendations to the Commissioner that would set the guidelines regarding how healthcare services would be given to the Plainfield area by Solaris and other hospitals. Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs has a proposal on the table dealing with these recommendations given to the State of New Jersey in terms of the relationship the community wants to have with Solaris pertaining to their delivery of healthcare services to Plainfield and the surrounding communities.
A problem we are facing in moving forward with these recommendations the City of Plainfield has proposed is that Solaris does not want to move forward in the same direction. However, I have been told by the State that whatever agreement the City of Plainfield, the State, and Solaris has already made, they will ensure that such agreements are honored. I recommended to the mayor and Solaris that this issue needs to be bought to a close so that we can move forward with the taskforce, who will have the ability to make sure that the commitments being made are followed through. In talking to the mayor and her legal staff, who have put a proposal on the table, it is time now for Solaris and the State to support it.
The two most important issues in dealing with this problem are having the taskforce in place and in full effect, as well as putting a price on the Muhlenberg campus. Initially, Solaris’ concern was that by law, they said they could not put a price on the campus. However, after my staff and Commissioner Howard’s team researched the matter, it was determined that such information was not the case. This is how we were able to put a price on the Muhlenberg campus. When the economic market changes and the financial crisis takes a turn for the better, we are very confident we will find a developer who will reopen the hospital to a full-service hospital, a task we have not been able to pursue this past year. This was because developers were frightened in pursuing a project that did not have a price-tag on it. Now that our research has enabled us to put a price-tag on the campus, we are now fully opened to the market.
Monday, February 2, 2009
N.J.'s Relief Efforts: Community First!!
Saturday morning was one of the most rewarding days of my career. As Vice-Chair of the New Jersey State Legislative Black Caucus, I had the opportunity to chair a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Shirley Turner, and Governor Jon Corzine and five of his cabinet members. The meeting was focused around some of the crisis issues concerning our great State of New Jersey; the Federal Stimulus Package, corrections (gangs), education, health, labor, and the budget. Being able to receive such information first-hand in order to share it with the mayors and residents within my legislative district brings me great pleasure. Thus, upon receiving the eight hours of information on Saturday, my first priority was to share it with our community, taking the high road when compared to ill-informed local blogs.
It was very rewarding to have the Governor discuss his satisfaction with Plainfield in how the murder rate has drastically dropped over the past few years during Mayor Sharon’s administration. While reviewing the statewide numbers, it is clear that the Governor’s policies aimed at thwarting crime in the State are beginning to pay their dividends. His praise of Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig’s efforts in sustaining community safety and his workability with his staff attest to what the Governor has been laboring after these past few years.
Regarding the stimulus package, New Jersey is in a good position in the realm of awareness when it comes to the outlines and guidelines of the financial aid we will receive. I have to agree with Doc in that he is right in some of his comments regarding the package moving from the House to the Senate, and there being a hold up in the Senate. With that being said, how could anyone say that Plainfield missed their deadline when the package is still in negotiation? To those who spread misinformation: when you do not have a clue as to what you are talking about, and stand behind it like it is a bonded word, you end up looking very foolish.
To ensure the fact that the funding from the stimulus package, once it is passed, is appropriated fairly and out of necessity throughout the State of New Jersey, Governor Corzine has constructed two committees to monitor such actions. He has asked me to work directly with the new director who will monitor these two committees. One committee will provide the function of monitoring allotted funds that can be used in this year’s budget, while the second committee will oversee the balance of such funding. This is precisely the sort of initiatives our President is communicating that he wants to see; a unified front statewide that aims to foster and sustain efficiency and effectiveness.
I look forward to sharing this information with the Mayor and Council President so that we can institute projects that will meet the criteria outlined by the federal government. Some of the recommendations of projects to jumpstart would be the roads here in Plainfield, and any infrastructural projects that we have on paper, but have not been able to act on due to the lack of financial backing, such as our IT System. From the Governor’s standpoint of building up infrastructure and sustaining it, these sorts of projects are of TOP priority. With that, one of my first phone calls this morning was to the Mayor and Administration to ensure ‘i’s and ‘t’s are dotted and crossed when the funding from the stimulus package is available for our State. This same initiative is being carried out for the municipalities in my district who are experiencing problems like that of Plainfield.
Governor Corzine made it very clear that this year, on a state and local level, municipalities are urged to keep their taxpayers first in terms of policies and legislation. Other than the proposed stimulus package, there will not be much more coming from the federal and state government, thus the belt-tightening should be in full effect. Locally, governments will not be able to enjoy the past luxury of relying on state and federal bailout relief due to unwise budgetary decisions. Local governments statewide will need to examine their budgets and make sure their tax dollars are being wisely spent.
For this reason, I have asked the State of New Jersey to provide more detail to local governments regarding the Pension Deferral Plan. Local governments, like Plainfield for example, should be given more information so that they can FULLY examine the principles of the Deferral Plan and make the right decision for their municipality. The County of Union has already reached out and supports the plan because it will save Union County taxpayers over 4 million dollars.
Due to this financial crisis we are experiencing, I am asking that every town in my district thoroughly examine the affects of this plan in the short-term as well as the long-term. I applaud the State for not putting added, undue pressure upon local governments across our State because this issue is very sensitive to each province. As Chair of Housing and Local Government, I am receiving many calls regarding this issue because, like all things, there are pros and cons. No one enjoys raising taxes, but there will be some towns that will need assistance, otherwise they will face bankruptcy. This is why it is vitally important that towns closely examine this plan before making their decision.
It was very rewarding to have the Governor discuss his satisfaction with Plainfield in how the murder rate has drastically dropped over the past few years during Mayor Sharon’s administration. While reviewing the statewide numbers, it is clear that the Governor’s policies aimed at thwarting crime in the State are beginning to pay their dividends. His praise of Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig’s efforts in sustaining community safety and his workability with his staff attest to what the Governor has been laboring after these past few years.
Regarding the stimulus package, New Jersey is in a good position in the realm of awareness when it comes to the outlines and guidelines of the financial aid we will receive. I have to agree with Doc in that he is right in some of his comments regarding the package moving from the House to the Senate, and there being a hold up in the Senate. With that being said, how could anyone say that Plainfield missed their deadline when the package is still in negotiation? To those who spread misinformation: when you do not have a clue as to what you are talking about, and stand behind it like it is a bonded word, you end up looking very foolish.
To ensure the fact that the funding from the stimulus package, once it is passed, is appropriated fairly and out of necessity throughout the State of New Jersey, Governor Corzine has constructed two committees to monitor such actions. He has asked me to work directly with the new director who will monitor these two committees. One committee will provide the function of monitoring allotted funds that can be used in this year’s budget, while the second committee will oversee the balance of such funding. This is precisely the sort of initiatives our President is communicating that he wants to see; a unified front statewide that aims to foster and sustain efficiency and effectiveness.
I look forward to sharing this information with the Mayor and Council President so that we can institute projects that will meet the criteria outlined by the federal government. Some of the recommendations of projects to jumpstart would be the roads here in Plainfield, and any infrastructural projects that we have on paper, but have not been able to act on due to the lack of financial backing, such as our IT System. From the Governor’s standpoint of building up infrastructure and sustaining it, these sorts of projects are of TOP priority. With that, one of my first phone calls this morning was to the Mayor and Administration to ensure ‘i’s and ‘t’s are dotted and crossed when the funding from the stimulus package is available for our State. This same initiative is being carried out for the municipalities in my district who are experiencing problems like that of Plainfield.
Governor Corzine made it very clear that this year, on a state and local level, municipalities are urged to keep their taxpayers first in terms of policies and legislation. Other than the proposed stimulus package, there will not be much more coming from the federal and state government, thus the belt-tightening should be in full effect. Locally, governments will not be able to enjoy the past luxury of relying on state and federal bailout relief due to unwise budgetary decisions. Local governments statewide will need to examine their budgets and make sure their tax dollars are being wisely spent.
For this reason, I have asked the State of New Jersey to provide more detail to local governments regarding the Pension Deferral Plan. Local governments, like Plainfield for example, should be given more information so that they can FULLY examine the principles of the Deferral Plan and make the right decision for their municipality. The County of Union has already reached out and supports the plan because it will save Union County taxpayers over 4 million dollars.
Due to this financial crisis we are experiencing, I am asking that every town in my district thoroughly examine the affects of this plan in the short-term as well as the long-term. I applaud the State for not putting added, undue pressure upon local governments across our State because this issue is very sensitive to each province. As Chair of Housing and Local Government, I am receiving many calls regarding this issue because, like all things, there are pros and cons. No one enjoys raising taxes, but there will be some towns that will need assistance, otherwise they will face bankruptcy. This is why it is vitally important that towns closely examine this plan before making their decision.
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