Dear Neighbor,
Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, marking the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico’s on September 16. This month gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions that are such an integral part of New Jersey’s community. With nearly 22% of our state’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, it’s been wonderful to join in the celebrations. I recently attended a lively festival in Red Bank, where I picked up a beautiful handmade cactus basket from Mexico. I also participated in the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development’s Mexican Independence Day celebration in Perth Amboy, where vibrant dance performances highlighted Mexico’s indigenous diversity.
Lowering Prescription Drug Prices for All Americans
On Monday, I visited the Piscataway Senior Citizen Center to highlight Medicare’s new ability to negotiate prescription drug prices, which will save over 1.3 million New Jersey residents an estimated $101 million in the first year. These negotiations, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will finally bring relief to seniors struggling with high drug costs. But this is just the beginning. I’ve introduced the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act to extend these savings to privately insured Americans, ensuring everyone benefits from lower drug prices. Making prescription drugs affordable for all Americans is a top priority, and I’ll keep working until we get it done.
Protecting AM Radio for Public Safety
In a significant win for public safety and accessibility, my bipartisan bill to preserve AM radio in new cars passed the Energy and Commerce Committee and is headed to the House for a vote. As automakers move away from AM radio in certain models, my legislation will ensure that all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. include the ability to receive analog AM signals—at no additional cost to consumers. From emergencies like Superstorm Sandy to daily news, AM radio remains a crucial lifeline for communities across the nation. I'm committed to protecting this essential service.
Trump’s Empty Promises on SALT: Don’t Be Fooled
In 2017, Donald Trump and the Republican majority gutted the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. Before Trump’s tax law, New Jerseyans could deduct nearly $19,000 in state and local taxes on average. But Trump and Republicans slashed that to just $10,000, making it harder for middle-class families to break even.
Now, Trump is promising to "restore SALT," pretending to fix a problem he created. This is nothing more than a campaign stunt. His tax giveaway funneled billions to corporations and the ultra-wealthy while sticking middle-class families with the bill.
Republicans have blocked every effort by Democrats to remove the SALT cap and provide relief to hardworking families. Trump’s promises ring hollow.
Honoring Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.
On Tuesday, I was proud to lead the successful passage of a bill that honors my dear friend and late colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. For 27 years in the House of Representatives, Bill served North Jersey and was a champion for Americans affected by traumatic brain injuries. This legislation renames the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) grants he worked so hard to establish as the Bill Pascrell, Jr. National Program for Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registries. By securing funding for critical research and services, we ensure that Bill’s lifelong dedication to supporting the most vulnerable continues to make an impact. Renaming these grants in his honor is a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to helping others.
Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:
Middlesex County: 732-249-8892
Monmouth County: 732-571-1140
Sincerely,
Congressman Pallone
