Dear Neighbor,
Once again, this week, Democrats had to step in to prevent a government shutdown. House Republicans have spent months pushing extreme cuts instead of working on a bipartisan budget that helps veterans, strengthens disaster recovery, and keeps our nation secure. I’m committed to passing a full-year bill that protects hardworking families and focuses on solutions that make our communities stronger.
In this newsletter, you’ll also find updates on the nearly $2.5 million in federal funding I’ve secured for local police departments, the progress I’ve made with the HEARTS Act to protect young athletes, and the continuation of a vital dredging project in the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers. Plus, I’m leading a bipartisan effort to make sure Hurricane Ida survivors finally get the aid they deserve.
$2.5 Million Secured to Keep Our Communities Safer
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve helped secure nearly $2.5 million in federal funding for police departments in Highland Park, Neptune, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, and Old Bridge. These funds will be used to hire additional officers, improve access to mental health resources for law enforcement, and purchase new equipment to help keep our neighborhoods safe. For instance, Highland Park and Neptune will each hire three new officers, while Old Bridge will receive over $1 million to upgrade critical police technology. I’m committed to making sure our local police have the resources they need to build trust with the communities they serve and enhance public safety across Central Jersey.
Saving Young Lives: My HEARTS Act Passed the House
I’m proud to announce that the Cardiomyopathy Health, Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools Act, known as the HEARTS Act, has passed the House. This bill is inspired by the heartbreaking loss of Edison student-athlete Kittim Sherrod, who died during track practice from an undiagnosed heart condition. The HEARTS Act will ensure schools are equipped with life-saving defibrillators and that staff, students, and sports volunteers receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac response. Sudden cardiac arrest tragically takes the lives of over 2,000 young people each year, but this bill will help prevent future tragedies by making sure schools are prepared for these emergencies. Now that it’s passed the House, I’m focused on getting it through the Senate so we can save lives. Read more in the Star Ledger.
Continuation of Dredging Project in the Shrewsbury & Navesink Rivers
This month, the United States Army Corps of Engineers resumed a critical dredging project in the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers after I secured $26 million in federal funding. The dredging, which had paused in January for fish spawning, will help address dangerous shoaling that impacts both recreational and commercial boating. It’s great to see this work move forward, as it’s essential for our local economy and for keeping our waterways safe. Plus, the sand dredged from the rivers will be used to replenish beaches in Monmouth Beach. We expect the project to wrap up by the end of 2024.
Making Sure Hurricane Ida Survivors Get the Help They Deserve
I’m leading a bipartisan effort to ensure that survivors of Hurricane Ida in New Jersey can benefit from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s new disaster aid rules, introduced by the Biden-Harris Administration. These reforms include providing up to $42,500 in federal assistance for uninsured damages, removing burdensome paperwork requirements, and speeding up the process so families get help faster. Many New Jerseyans affected by Ida were stuck with unfair denials and delays under the old rules. By making these changes retroactive, we can finally ensure that survivors of Ida and other recent disasters get the relief they need to rebuild their homes and lives. Read my full letter.
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
