Happy 4th of July - Let's Still be Careful
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Dear Friend,
We are facing what will probably be the strangest 4
th of July Holiday that any of us has experienced in our lifetime. There are no parades, no community gatherings, no concerts, and for many, none, or greatly diminished family Barbecues.
We've endured much as a nation over the past four and a half months, and as we adjust to life post the COVID-19 outbreak, it's hard to grasp how different our norms have become. Our resiliency is under duress as we fight back against an unseen enemy about which we know very little. We have had to dig deep into our wellspring of strength to find resources to carry us through. We fight, and we continue to do so because that is who we are, as a community, and as a country.
Aside from the virus, we have been witness to an awakening of our country to the grave injustices meted out to black people in the United States of America. The slow, excruciating, public execution of George Floyd served to ignite an outcry too loud, too passionate and too heart wrenching to ignore. We have taken to the streets, risking the virus's infection knowing that there exists a far more dangerous virus that needs to be eradicated. We have protested in our streets, across our cities, from State to State, and our cries were echoed across the waves in countries far away by people who felt our anguish and outrage.
This fight is far from over, but it has begotten meaningful dialog across what seemed like insurmountable divides. That is an excellent place to start.
So this 4
th of July is extraordinary, but we are not broken. We have lost loved ones, but even as we grieve, we find support by uniting. We are tired, but we find the power to stand. We face uncertainty, but we radiate hope. We have been laid low, but still, we rise again and again. When things have been at their worst, we have been at our best. This is the indomitable spirit of humanity that drives us all to be better, stronger, smarter, and ultimately to triumph.
So I ask you to find the things around you this holiday that make you happy. Please focus on the positives that are still all around us. Remember the good, the strong, the courageous ones who stand at the front line of this battle. Think of the acts of kindness displayed by ordinary, everyday people to their neighbors as this virus still tries to cripple us. Find a way to celebrate you, to celebrate us, to celebrate our history and our future.
Lastly, I do ask that you continue to be vigilant. The virus is still present, and we must continue to take precautionary measures. Please continue to wear your masks and gloves when out in public. Avoid large gatherings of people and wash your hands frequently. We have driven our numbers down by utilizing these methods. Let's not get complacent and allow the virus to start spreading again.
Please be careful and stay well. May God bless every single Plainfield resident and the United States of America. Have a safe and happy 4
th of July Holiday.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Feliz cuatro de julio: sigamos teniendo cuidado
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Querido Plainfield,
Estamos llegando a lo que será la fiesta más extraña del 4 de julio que cualquiera de nosotros haya experimentado en nuestra vida. No hay desfiles, ni reuniones comunitarias, ni conciertos, y para muchos, no habrá barbacoas familiares.
Hemos sufrido mucho como nación en los últimos cuatro meses y medio, y mientras nos adaptamos a la vida después del brote de COVID-19, es difícil comprender el cambio de nuestras normas. Nuestra resistencia está bajo presión mientras luchamos contra un enemigo invisible del que sabemos muy poco. Hemos tenido que cavar profundamente en nuestra fuente de fuerza para encontrar recursos que nos ayuden a pasar. Luchamos y seguimos haciéndolo porque eso es lo que somos, como comunidad y como país.
Aparte del virus, hemos sido testigos de un despertar de nuestro país a las graves injusticias que se cometen contra los afroamericanos en los Estados Unidos de América. La ejecución lenta, insoportable y pública de George Floyd sirvió para provocar una protesta demasiado fuerte, demasiado apasionada y desgarradora para ignorar. Hemos salido a las calles, arriesgando la infección del virus sabiendo que existe un virus mucho más peligroso que necesita ser erradicado. Hemos protestado en nuestras calles, en nuestras ciudades, de estado a estado, y nuestros gritos se hicieron eco a través de las olas en países lejanos por personas que sintieron nuestra angustia e indignación.
Esta lucha está lejos de terminar, pero ha generado un diálogo significativo a través de lo que parecían divisiones insuperables. Ese es un excelente lugar para comenzar.
Así que este 4 de julio es extraordinario, pero no estamos rotos. Hemos perdido seres queridos, pero aun cuando nos afligimos, encontramos apoyo uniéndonos. Estamos cansados, pero encontramos el poder para estar de pie. Nos enfrentamos a la incertidumbre, pero irradiamos esperanza. Nos han acostado, pero aún así, nos elevamos una y otra vez. Cuando las cosas han estado en su peor momento, hemos estado en nuestro mejor momento. Este es el espíritu indomable de la humanidad que nos impulsa a todos a ser mejores, más fuertes, más inteligentes y, en última instancia, a triunfar.
Así que te pido que encuentres las cosas que te rodean estas vacaciones que te hacen feliz. Por favor, enfóquese en los aspectos positivos que aún nos rodean. Recuerda a los buenos, los fuertes y los valientes que están en la primera línea de esta batalla. Piense en los actos de bondad que la gente común y corriente muestra a sus vecinos, ya que este virus todavía intenta paralizarnos. Encuentre una manera de celebrarlo, de celebrarnos, de celebrar nuestra historia y nuestro futuro.
Por último, le pido que continúe vigilante. El virus todavía está presente, y debemos seguir tomando medidas de precaución. Continúe usando sus máscaras y guantes cuando salga en público. Evite las grandes reuniones de personas y lávese las manos con frecuencia. Hemos reducido nuestros números utilizando estos métodos. No seamos complacientes y permitamos que el virus comience a propagarse nuevamente.
Ten cuidado y mantente bien. Que Dios bendiga a cada residente de Plainfield y a los Estados Unidos de América. Tenga unas vacaciones seguras y felices el 4 de julio.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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From Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, The City Council and Administration
HAPPY 4th of JULY
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City of Plainfield Forms George Floyd Police Reform Commission
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Plainfield Forms George Floyd Police Reform Commission
July 1, 2020 – Plainfield, NJ – Citing the urgency of the need for nationwide policing reform, the City of Plainfield has formed a commission tasked with reviewing current policies and practices of the Plainfield Police Department
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On July 1, 2020, mayor Adrian O. Mapp announced that the City of Plainfield launched a George Floyd Police Reform Commission (GFPRC). The commission's goal is to review current policing policies and procedures of the Plainfield Police Department and make recommendations that will be submitted in a public report.
The report will be submitted to the Governor's Office, the Union County Prosecutors Office, and the State Attorney General's Office.
The commission comprises a diverse group of Plainfield residents whose report and recommendations will be presented at the culmination of two private and two public sessions. The process is expected to take approximately one month from launch to presentation of the report. It is intended to be a temporary one-time commission.
"Across the nation, there is a collective cry for an examination of the existing policies and procedures of Law Enforcement agencies, including the use of force guidelines. It is the responsibility of every municipality across the United States of America to review its existing Police operations regardless of whether there is a history of abuse or not. The purpose of this commission is not to accuse but to prevent. Our Police Department is one of the finest, and we want to ensure it stays that way" - Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
Commission Members
Ashley S. Davis
is currently a member of the Plainfield Municipal Council representing the First Ward. She is a lifelong resident of Plainfield. Her commitment to public service has guided her to focus her volunteerism efforts with organizations whose missions align with service, scholarship, and civic engagement.
Reverend Dr. Aloyo
is the senior pastor of La Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras, a congregation composed of families from 17 Latin American countries and Asia. Rev. Aloyo is also Associate Dean for Institutional Diversity at Princeton Theological Seminary and Director of the Office of Multicultural Relations. For the past thirty-two years, Pastor Aloyo has served congregations in Brooklyn, NY., Queens, The Bronx, and Plainfield, NJ.
Cathryn Diouf-Cole
has lived in Plainfield for over 16 years, raising two sons here. She has a Masters in Urban Planning and used to work for the NYC affordable housing program. Previously, she served three years in the US Peace Corps in Senegal.
Raisa Baraka
speaks as an eighteen(18) year old advocate for the Plainfield community and her generation. She believes that the progress of the consciousness of freedom and the funding toward black establishments will start the dismantlement of systemic racism.
Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson
is a creative problem solver and specializes in multicultural marketing and consumers. The former Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Urban One is responsible for over 15M of media revenue and partnership management with iconic brands such as Walmart, AT&T, and Prudential. MSNBC, NPR, and ESSENCE have recognized Tuwisha as a strategist, producer, and industry thought leader in multicultural culture, media, and consumer insights.
Bill Davis
Was born in Newark and raised in Plainfield, NJ. He is an active member of the NAACP and the Peoples Organization for Progress, among others. He is the founding director of EPIC Vision Academy, a pre-college program for area high school students which provided tutoring and mentoring. An adjunct professor at Rutgers in the Africana Studies Dept. Bill has participated in several international humanitarian efforts in Haiti, Cuba, Ghana, and South Africa. He also serves on the Crossroads theatre board, assisting with community outreach.
Chris Estevez
is a labor leader and social justice activist that was born and raised in Plainfield. He currently serves as President of the Latino Action Network and Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1037.
Bobby Gregory
is a Thirty-two-year resident of Plainfield. He expresses his honor to serve on the George Floyd Police Reform Commission. It is his hope and belief that Plainfield can become a model in building effective policing and deep community trust.
Canon Leroy Lyons
was the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church here in the city for 42 years. He retired in 2012. Canon Lyons continues to live in Plainfield and is the father of four grown daughters.
The GFPRC is made up of a diverse group of five males and five females.
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CITY COUNCIL
Combined Council Meeting on July 13
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Important Voting Update from
the City Clerk
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June 30, 2020
Dear Plainfield Residents,
We have received a number of phone calls and messages from individuals who have indicated that they have yet to receive a vote by mail ballot. If you have not yet received your ballot, you are encouraged to visit the Union County Clerk’s office at either the Elizabeth or Westfield locations to request a duplicate ballot. Residents will be permitted to appear in person Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. up until Election Day on July 7, 2020.
Should you choose to vote in person, please be reminded that you will only be allowed to vote by way of provisional ballot. Be further reminded, that your polling location may have changed for this 2020 Primary Election due to consolidation efforts. As such, if you have not received information on your new polling location please contact the Union County Board of Elections at (908) 527-4123 as they will inform you accordingly.
Plainfield Polling Locations for the July 7, 2020 Primary Election are as follows:
Emerson School Cafeteria – Wards 1
Evergreen School Gym – Ward 2, Districts 1,2,4,5,6
Maxson School Cafeteria – Ward 2, Districts 3 and 7-11
Plainfield High School Cafeteria – Ward 3, Districts 1 – 5
Cedarbrook School Cafeteria – Ward 3, Districts 6-10
Clinton School Gym – Ward 4
Sincerely,
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Abubakar T. Jalloh, R.M.C.
A/ Business Administrator &
Municipal Clerk
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Important VOTE-BY-MAIL Update
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For your convenience, the City of Plainfield has been designated as one of the 5 drop off locations throughout Union County for Vote by Mail Ballots.
A secured drop box has been placed in the rear parking lot of City Hall on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐛𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟒/𝟕 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.
Please note that on Election Day your polling locations are open for Provisional Ballot Voting only, with the exception of an ADA accessible voting machine for use by disabled voters who cannot vote on a paper ballot.
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Race to Equality Webinar
Moderated by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
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Yesterday the Union County Young Democrats along with the Union County Democratic Committee hosted a special webinar,
Race to Equality: A Conversation on Justice, Equity & Opportunity
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The distinguished panel comprised of:
- Assemblyman Jamel Holley
- Councilman Greg Vartan of Summit
- Crystal D. Charley-Sibley, President of the Southern Burlington County-NAACP
- Karen Thompson of the ACLU of NJ
The event was moderated by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp of Plainfield.
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COVID-19 Testing Procedure
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Cooling Center Available to Residents
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Plainfield Must be COUNTED!
Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
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Let's Shape Our Future by Completing the 2020 Census
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Why is the 2020 Census Important to Plainfield?
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Let's do our part to ensure that Plainfield is COUNTED to receive funding for the programs and resources our residents need.
Complete the 2020 census in one of three ways:
- Online at www.2020census.gov
- By Phone at 844-330-2020 for English and 844-468-2020 for Spanish
- By Mail
Plainfield we are COUNTING on YOU. The census doesn't just COUNT it makes a DIFFERENCE for our COMMUNITY!
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Hagamos nuestra parte para asegurar que Plainfield esté CONTADO para recibir fondos para los programas y recursos que nuestros residentes necesitan.
Complete el censo 2020 de una de tres maneras:
- En línea en www.2020census.gov
- Por teléfono al 844-330-2020 para inglés y 844-468-2020 para español
- Por correo
Plainfield contamos con usted. ¡El censo no solo CUENTA, hace una DIFERENCIA para nuestra COMUNIDAD!
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Summer Meals Program Began
on Monday June 22
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COVID-19 Relief | Daily Lunches
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
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Additional Resources to Navigate
Through COVID-19
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Federal Stimulus Check Update
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𝐍𝐉 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟔.
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have lost income or become unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Applicants may be eligible for up to 6 months of emergency rental assistance.
• The assistance will be capped at the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA’s) fair market rent standard or the total of the rent, whichever is lesser.
• All participants will be reviewed after a 3-month interval to see if they are still in need of assistance.
• Any person applying must meet all applicable CVERAP income and eligibility requirements (see below for details).
• You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply, or you must be an emancipated minor.
• Only one (1) pre-application per household will be accepted
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources
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The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask as it Becomes a Requirement
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The CDC is recommending that everyone wear a face mask or cloth covering when they go out in public along with continuing social distancing and other preventive measures.
A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery stores, for example).
As the State and local municipalities continues to re-open it is vitally important that we continue to flatten the curve and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
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Proper Disposal of Face Masks & Gloves
and the Importance of Hand Washing
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Clerk Provides Additional Hours for Voters
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UNION COUNTY
- The offices of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi are open for additional hours, as a service for voters who wish to drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots in person or who have questions regarding the July 7 Primary Election.
The offices will be open on each of the following days from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.:
Saturday, June 27
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2
Monday, July 6
Tuesday, July 7 (Election Day)
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These extended hours apply to the County Clerk’s main office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, and the annex office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
Please note that all government offices are closed on Friday, July 3.
Office visitors are advised that masks and social distance are required in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are all deeply concerned about the safety of our voters and well as their democratic right to vote,”
said Ms. Rajoppi
. “We are following Governor Murphy’s mandates and have taken other steps to ensure that voters can participate in the Primary Election without compromising their health or the health of others.”
As part of the COVID-19 safety precautions, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has ordered that the July 7 Primary Election be held primarily by Vote-by-Mail ballots.
Voters who wish to drop off their ballots in person can also use any of five official, secure drop off boxes installed by the Union County Board of Elections. The drop-off boxes may be used at any time of day or night, 24/7, up until 8:00 p.m. on July 7:
Cranford – Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue
Elizabeth – Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Plainfield – Plainfield Municipal Building Parking Lot, 515 Watchung Avenue
Union – Union Township Municipal Building Rear Entrance, 1976 Morris Avenue
Westfield — Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East
Visit the County Clerk’s elections website,
unioncountyvotes.com
, for additional online resources including:
As a reminder, for the July 7 Primary all active registered Democratic and Republican voters automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot. A pre-paid postage return self-sealing envelope is included. Registered Democratic and Republican voters who have not received their Vote-by-Mail ballot should contact the County Clerk Elections Division by email at
ucvote@ucnj.org
.
Voters are strongly encouraged to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A limited number of in-person polling places will be available on Election Day, July 7, for those who choose to vote in person.
In-person voters must wear masks and observe social distance at their polling location. Other precautions against infection, such as washing hands, are strongly encouraged.
In-person voters will be issued a provisional paper ballot to vote; Vote-by-Mail ballots cannot be used at polling locations. An ADA-accessible voting machine will be available to voters with disabilities who certify that they cannot use a paper provisional ballot.
For more information about the July 7 Primary Election and all County Clerk election services visit
unioncountyvotes.com
, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or
ucvote@ucnj.org
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Further Reform New Jersey's Criminal
Justice System
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TRENTON, NJ --
Governor Phil Murphy today signed three pieces of legislation that make various reforms to New Jersey’s criminal justice system. The bills will ensure personnel files of law enforcement officers are shared when applying for employment at other agencies, accelerate juvenile justice reforms, and expand critical re-entry benefits.
“I’ve been clear that New Jersey will be as aggressive as any state in the nation in our efforts to reform a criminal justice system that has largely failed our Black and Brown communities for far too long,”
said Governor Murphy
. “Among other important changes, these measures promote a greater degree of professionalism in law enforcement hiring practices and ensure that young people and formerly incarcerated individuals who are
re-entering society are provided with a meaningful chance to reach their full potential.”
The Governor signed the following bills into law:
- A744 (Johnson, Holley, Conaway, Wimberly/Weinberg, Turner) - Requires law enforcement agencies to provide internal affairs and personnel files of law enforcement officers to other agencies under certain circumstances.
- S2511 (Pou, Turner/Wimberly, Reynolds-Jackson) - Accelerates rescinding of certain juvenile delinquency fines and making discretionary post-incarceration supervision due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- S2331 (Sweeney, Cunningham/Pintor Marin, Quijano, Verrelli) - Assists inmates released from incarceration in obtaining necessary re-entry benefits.
Primary sponsors of A744 include Assemblymembers Gordon Johnson, Jamel Holley, Herb Conaway and Benjie Wimberly, and Senators Loretta Weinberg and Shirley Turner.
“Operating with minimal information does more harm than good when it comes to hiring an officer charged to serve and protect,
said Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson.
“With this legislation, we intend to give departments and jurisdictions all the information they need to determine if an applicant is the right fit. For us to reform police culture, we must ensure agencies are first aware of any disciplinary history.”
“There needs to be more accountability,”
said Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley
. “If an officer faces disciplinary action within one agency in one town and can easily move on to another agency in a different town without their record following them, we have an accountability problem. Making sure agencies aren’t kept in the dark about the background of candidates – good or bad – is what this legislation does. This is critical in our efforts to rebuild trust in law enforcement.”
“Ensuring departments have access to the personnel records they need to bring a new officer on board is about trust and confidence,”
said Assemblyman Herb Conaway
. “Law enforcement officers are sent into the community every day and while most adhere to the highest professional standards, others may not. If that’s the case, departments need to know.”
“To strengthen the view of police as a force for good in the community, policies requiring disciplinary histories to be shared must be status quo,”
said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly
. “Most officers spend their entire career acting honorably, but to maintain accountability, policy has to acknowledge the potential for bad actors to exist.”
"Police officers are given an immense amount of power and responsibility and the vast majority serve with honor and deference to the position,”
said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg
. “In cases where incidents do occur, however, it should be reviewable by any agency being asked to hire that person in the future. How can we expect agencies to weed out bad actors if they can’t review an applicant’s full history? When the public’s trust is on the line, no stone should be left unturned and I am glad the Governor has taken such swift action on this bill.”
"Police officers, quite literally at times, have the lives of our state's most vulnerable in their hands,"
said Senator Shirley Turner
. "It is incredibly important we are thoroughly vetting any individual bestowed with that badge, and in turn, the power that comes with it. This legislation will create greater oversight, transparency and accountability to prevent departments from hiring bad actors."
Primary sponsors of S2511 include Senators Nellie Pou and Shirley Turner, and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
.
"The juvenile justice reform bill we signed into law earlier this year was written before we had ever heard of the coronavirus,"
said Senator Nellie Pou
."The pandemic, however, has made the implementation of this law that much more crucial as it will help lower populations in certain juvenile facilities and create greater opportunity for proper social distancing. I am glad the Governor has recognized the urgency of signing this legislation today and discarded any further delay."
“Right now, those going through our justice system face particular vulnerability and risk of contracting COVID-19,”
said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly
. “This fact is no different for our youth who are in custody or under supervision, and often in detention for minor, non-violent infractions. To put the safety of our children first it is therefore critical to speed up the implementation of policies intending to protect against harsh juvenile sentencing, and to ensure greater priority for community-based rehabilitation and reintegration exists. Not only is it about health and safety, but it’s also about justice.”
“We have to do everything in our power to curb the spread of COVID-19, especially among our youth in the juvenile system who are at greater risk because of their physical circumstances,”
said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
. “Thankfully, the mechanisms to keep children out of detention facilities and prioritize community-based programming were already in motion. Under this legislation, these reforms will now only be implemented much faster.”
Primary sponsors of S2331 include Senators Sweeney and Cunningham, and Assemblymembers Pintor Marin, Quijano, and Verrelli.
“The legislation will require that prisons begin to prepare persons for life outside the wall,”
said former Governor & New Jersey Reentry Corporation Chairman Jim McGreevey
. “Qualifying folks for Food Stamps, General Assistance, and Medicaid ensures persons will have the essential building blocks to survive. Food, housing, and healthcare are the Required first steps to a Second Chance at a healthy productive life.”
"This will offer former offenders a fair opportunity at a second chance by addressing the obstacles to their successful reentry into society,”
said Senate President Steve Sweeney
. “The barriers they encounter are even greater during the public health crisis we are now experiencing. Providing basic services can make a real difference in the lives of men and women who are returning to their families and communities as productive members of society.”
“This law will help to address the significant obstacles faced by state and county inmates in obtaining what can be life-sustaining benefits when they are released from incarceration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,”
said Senator Sandra Cunningham
. “One of the biggest barriers facing the reentry community upon release is lack of photo identification, which is needed to apply for general assistance, housing, or employment.”
“After release, many offenders face a lack of access to resources, and many won't have support from their families,”
said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin
. “By facilitating enrollment in Medicaid, as well as enrollment assistance in programs that provide food and housing security, this legislation helps the reentry process in the time of the coronavirus to be less challenging.”
“A non-driver ID card is one of the most important tools for securing reentry benefits and assistance from social services,”
said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
. “Prioritizing access to this proof of identity following release from prison or jail is essential for self-sufficiency and to help individuals rebuild their lives, especially while we navigate this public health emergency.”
“Removing obstacles to emergency housing for the duration of this state of emergency is critical to preserving our public health objectives,”
said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli
. “Individuals reentering society need a place to self-isolate or quarantine. Enabling organizations with the space, but who currently lack the licensing, to provide temporary shelter is key to making sure that need is met.”
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling
908.753.3015
or emailing
communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future
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