Hi — I wanted to share this article from “The Record” that highlights my proposed COVID-19 Supply Chain Relief Act, as part of my Affordability Agenda, to help clear up pandemic-driven jams in our supply chain. Other major pillars of my agenda include restoring the State and Local Tax deduction (SALT).
Here is a link to the article and I pasted the story below. I'm always eager to hear your thoughts, and thanks again for everything. Happy holidays!
Yours,
Josh
U.S. needs a supply chain 'czar' and emergency action to clear up jams, Gottheimer says
Marsha A. Stoltz | NorthJersey.com
New legislation aimed at relieving COVID-related supply chain bottlenecks was one of "four pillars" of an Affordability Agenda for Jersey unveiled by Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Monday.
Speaking at the Snow Joe & Sun Joe distribution center in Mahwah, over the whirring and clatter of machinery, Gottheimer called for the National Guard to be activated to move critically needed items.
"Just as they were activated to distribute vaccines, we should activate the Guard to help move critical goods, so that they are not at the mercy of jammed supply chains," Gottheimer said. "We should utilize these non-combat ships only for the most critical items, like essential pharmaceuticals and hospital supplies."
Gottheimer, a Democrat representing the 5th Congressional District, is proposing the COVID-19 Supply Chain Relief Act, which would:
- Establish a federal supply chain "czar" and regional supply chain leaders to identify and respond to disruptions;
- Allow states to deploy unused COVID relief funds to address local supply chain bottlenecks;
- Give the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Transportation 30 days to report on progress at major checkpoints in the nation's supply chains.
Snow Joe & Sun Joe ships parts as well as its snowblowers, power washers and lawn mowers to purchasers worldwide.
"Snow Joe has not been immune to these challenges," said CEO Paul Riley. "Shipping delays and sky-high container costs have all resulted in us being forced to pass along price increases to our customers. The situation needs to improve, and this must happen quickly."
SALT deductions
Gottheimer said the second pillar of his agenda is the reinstatement of the state and local tax — or SALT — deduction in the reconciliation bill that passed the House as part of the $3.5 trillion social safety program, now awaiting a vote in the Senate.
The cap, imposed in 2017, put a $10,000 limit on deductions for state and local income or sales tax and property taxes. Previously, the average SALT deduction in Bergen County alone was $24,000 a year.
The third pillar of Gottheimer's agenda calls for capping prescription and child care costs, with an aim to cap senior prescription drug costs at $2,000 a year and child care costs at 7% of a family's annual income.
"Overall, the average New Jersey family making $133,000 will receive $8,500 in savings a year, and that doesn't count the savings from restoring SALT," Gottheimer said.
The last element would be lowering gas and energy prices, he said.
"It hasn't helped that OPEC — representing the major energy-producing countries — has decided to use this opportunity to squeeze our families for a few extra dollars," Gottheimer said. "In the immediate term, the president and the whole of the administration must continue to work with domestic producers to increase production and processing."
Marsha Stoltz is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com.