Dear Neighbor,
This week is National Health Center Week when we shine a spotlight on the invaluable role that community health centers play in nurturing the health and well-being of communities in New Jersey and across the country. As part of National Health Center Week, I was proud to visit the Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch to highlight the critical role health centers provide in offering accessible, quality care to millions of Americans, especially low-income families.
Monmouth Family Health Center truly showcases the transformative power of community health centers. They are lifelines, offering essential, high-quality health services to those who need it most and ensuring everyone has access to health care and preventive services. Supporting and growing these centers is crucial for maintaining healthy, thriving communities across our state. I will continue fighting for the federal funding they need, as I always have, to ensure they can keep making a difference.
Update on Potentially Hazardous Materials in Keyport
On July 29, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and I announced a plan to remove slag-like materials found on the beach in Keyport. As part of this effort, DEP has put up signs advising everyone not to touch or handle these materials. This week, DEP has been busy removing and testing the larger pieces and will keep at it. While lead levels are low, most samples showed higher arsenic levels. Arsenic exposure happens if you touch the material and then eat or touch your mouth without washing your hands. DEP, alongside the New Jersey Department of Health, is looking into any health risks. They’re working with local authorities, community groups, and my office to keep everyone updated. The material’s source is still unknown.
Please follow the DEP’s advice and stay safe until the cleanup is done. Your health is a top priority.
Safer Roads in Highland Park
I secured $850,000 in federal funding for Highland Park to construct new protected bicycle lanes and create safer roads for pedestrians. This project represents a bold step toward a safer and more sustainable Highland Park. The funding I’ve secured will revamp some of the community’s infrastructure with protected bicycle lanes, enhanced pedestrian safety measures, and extensive roadway upgrades. It will support infrastructure improvements, for example, on N. 8th Avenue and Magnolia/Benner Streets, where the Highland Park Police Department has documented long-standing vehicular speeding issues. These improvements will help safeguard pedestrians, improve ADA accessibility, and foster safe cycling routes in the Borough.
New Federal Funding for the Carteret Fire Department
I helped secure $35,714 in federal funding for the Borough of Carteret through the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program. The funding will be used to provide, distribute, and install up to 1400 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as part of Carteret’s Fire Safe program, a community program that helps residents improve fire safety and prevention in their homes. This grant will help Carteret take an innovative approach to save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage from fires. It will also go a long way to ensure residents have the necessary equipment to keep their homes and families safe from fire hazards.
Second Anniversary of the CHIPS and Science Act
Today marks two years since President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law. As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I helped write this important legislation and lead its passage in the House of Representatives. The goal in crafting the CHIPS and Science Act was to create good-paying manufacturing jobs, lower costs for consumers, and strengthen our supply chains. Two years later, I can confidently say that’s exactly what it’s doing.
The Biden-Harris Administration has already announced more than $30 billion in grant awards with more coming in the months ahead. These awards have unlocked hundreds of billions of dollars in private investment and are expected to generate 116,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs. This surge of investment in American manufacturing will help grow the middle class, create good jobs for years to come, lower costs for consumers, and help ensure America’s continued leadership in new and emerging technologies for generations to come.
Contact me!
If you ever need any assistance, please contact our offices either through my website, or call our offices directly (Middlesex County: 732-249-8892; Monmouth County: 732-571-1140.) My door is always open to you.
Sincerely,
Congressman Pallone
