Kamala Harris - The First Caribbean/Jamaican to be on a
US Presidential Ticket
Dear Friend,

Suppose you have been systemically and deliberately excluded and marginalized for centuries. If your achievements have gone unrecognized, and your people have been the target of unrelenting racist profiling. Suppose your existence was haunted by vilification borne of hatred that stems from the color of your skin. Suppose this has been your experience and the experience of millions of people in your country? In that case, it is natural to explode with joy when someone who looks like you break those barriers. They carry with them the collective pride and joy of generations who were abused, marginalized and deliberately ostracized.

The election of President Barack Obama in 2008 was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States of America. For over a century, black people led by iconic civil rights leaders had dared to dream that there would be a seat and a voice for them one day. For the first time in the history of the United States, black people had a leader who looked like them. The first family physically reflected 13% of US families. However, more importantly, they represented their backgrounds, struggles, dreams, and determination to succeed.

Minority groups have fought long and hard to break barriers; women and people of color are finally rising to positions of responsibility and power. In doing so, they now pave the way for future generations to rise.

Such is the case with United States Senator and Joe Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris. If elected, Kamala Harris will make history as the country’s first female vice president, first black vice president, and first Caribbean / Jamaican-American and Indian-American elected into office. One woman, four victories. One woman representing four minority groups. The prospect alone gives millions of people the hope and renewed drive they need to achieve success.

Kamala Harris’s story echoes the dreams of millions of immigrants and their children in the US. Her parents found success in this country despite the color of their skin and immigration status. Her Indian-born mother was a medical researcher, and her Jamaican born father is an economist and former professor at Stanford University. Their achievements are an inspiration for those who migrate, seeking the promise of the American dream.

People from the Caribbean or with Caribbean roots have long been trailblazers and have contributed immensely to the history and culture and foundational development of the United States of America; from Alexander Hamilton who was the first secretary of the treasury under President George Washington, Shirley Chisholm the first black elected to the United States Congress and the first black to seek her party’s nomination for President of the US, and to whom Kamala Harris owes a great debt, Colin Powell the first black Secretary of State and the first black to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to former Attorney General under President Obama Eric Holder. When the media chooses to refer to Kamala over and over again as the first Asian American to be on a Presidential ticket and omits, consciously, to talk about her as the first Caribbean and Jamaican to be on a presidential ticket it's a blatant disregard for the people of the Caribbean.

I think it is vital to view Kamala Harris’s success not solely through a political lens. Her current position is proof that there are individuals in this country who aren’t racist, sexist, or prejudiced. It is proof that for every enemy we encounter, there are allies who will support equity and equality. It demonstrates the determination and hunger that exists within minority groups. It is an indication that the world is listening to our cries, shouts, and demands for our unalienable rights. However, it is also a reminder that while there are successes, we still have a long way to go. It is an indictment that many have taken for granted for centuries, what is now a watershed moment for an entire people. 

I, like many others, had big dreams when I migrated to this country from the island nation of Barbados. I was determined to succeed while honoring my roots and the circumstances that shaped me. I hoped to be an example for future generations of minorities to do the same. Kamala's story, while not identical, is still my story. It is a story grounded in immigration from opposite ends of the world, a story founded on hard work, dedication and sacrifice. It is the story of a dream, the story of thousands of minorities who continue the long fight against prejudice and inequality.

This year has been a teachable moment for us all. COVID-19 reminded us that all humans are susceptible to a shared fate, regardless of status. Through the Black Lives Matter movement, we’re reminded that it is not diversity, but inclusivity, that truly levels our societal spaces. The nomination of Kamala Harris demonstrates that change can happen, and sheds hope and light during threatening darkness. 2020 is a challenging year, but a significant one. The lessons we take from it are what will determine the future of inclusivity in seats of power.

No matter the outcome of this year's elections, I want people of all races, backgrounds, and stories to remember that it is possible to achieve much through hard work. The successes of Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and my own, are not unattainable. The idea that your friend or neighbor has a head start in life might be accurate, but it does not define your capacity or the future of your success. We can all reach, aspire, inspire and achieve. 


Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Kamala Harris: La Primera Caribeña / Jamaicana en Tener un boleto Presidencial en los Estados Unidos

Querido Plainfield,

Suponga que ha sido excluido y marginado sistemáticamente y deliberadamente durante siglos. Si sus logros no han sido reconocidos y su gente ha sido objeto de una implacable discriminación racista. Supongamos que su existencia estuviera obsesionada por una difamación nacida del odio que se deriva del color de su piel. Suponga que esta ha sido su experiencia y la experiencia de millones de personas en su país. En ese caso, es natural estallar de alegría cuando alguien que se parece a ti rompe esas barreras. Llevan con ellos el orgullo y la alegría de generaciones que fueron abusadas, marginadas y deliberadamente condenadas al ostracismo.

La elección del presidente Barack Obama en 2008 fue un momento crucial en la historia de los Estados Unidos de América. Durante más de un siglo, los afroamericanos liderados por líderes icónicos de derechos civiles se habían atrevido a soñar que algún día habría un asiento y una voz para ellos. Por primera vez en la historia de los Estados Unidos, los afroamericanos tenían un líder que se parecía a ellos. La primera familia reflejó físicamente al 13% de las familias estadounidenses. Sin embargo, lo que es más importante, representaron sus antecedentes, luchas, sueños y determinación para tener éxito.

Los grupos minoritarios han luchado durante mucho tiempo para romper barreras; las mujeres y las personas de color finalmente están ascendiendo a puestos de responsabilidad y poder. Al hacerlo, ahora allanan el camino para que surjan las generaciones del futuro.

Tal es el caso de la senadora estadounidense y compañera de fórmula de Joe Biden, Kamala Harris. Si es elegida, Kamala Harris hará historia como la primera mujer vicepresidenta del país, la primera vicepresidenta afroamericana y la primera caribeña / jamaicana-estadounidense e india-estadounidense elegida para el cargo. Una mujer, cuatro victorias. Una mujer que representa a cuatro grupos minoritarios. La perspectiva por sí sola da a millones de personas la esperanza y el impulso renovado que necesitan para lograr el éxito.

La historia de Kamala Harris se hace eco de los sueños de millones de inmigrantes y sus hijos en los Estados Unidos. Sus padres tuvieron éxito en este país a pesar del color de su piel y su estatus migratorio. Su madre, nacida en la India, era investigadora médica y su padre, nacido en Jamaica, es economista y ex profesor de la Universidad de Stanford. Sus logros son una inspiración para quienes migran en busca de la promesa del sueño americano.

Las personas del Caribe o con raíces caribeñas han sido durante mucho tiempo pioneros y han contribuido inmensamente a la historia y la cultura y al desarrollo fundamental de los Estados Unidos de América; de Alexander Hamilton, quien fue el primer secretario del Tesoro bajo el presidente George Washington, Shirley Chisholm, la primera afroamericana elegida para el Congreso de los Estados Unidos y la primera afroamericana en buscar la nominación de su partido para la presidencia de los Estados Unidos, Colin Powel, el primer secretario de Estado afroamericano y el primer afroamericano en ser presidente del Estado Mayor Conjunto, con el ex fiscal general bajo el presidente Obama Eric Holder. Cuando los medios de comunicaciónes deciden referirse a Kamala una y otra vez como la primera estadounidense de origen asiático en estar en un boleto presidencial y omiten, conscientemente, hablar de ella como la primera caribeña y jamaicana en estar en un boleto presidencial, es un desprecio para la gente del caribe.

Creo que es vital ver el éxito de Kamala Harris no solo a través de una lente política. Su posición actual es una prueba de que hay personas en este país que no son racistas, sexistas o prejuiciosas. Es una prueba de que por cada enemigo que encontramos, hay aliados que apoyarán la equidad y la igualdad. Demuestra la determinación y el hambre que existe dentro de los grupos minoritarios. Es una indicación de que el mundo está escuchando nuestros gritos y demandas por nuestros derechos inalienables. Sin embargo, también es un recordatorio de que, si bien hay éxitos, todavía nos queda un largo camino por recorrer. Es una acusación que muchos han dado por sentada durante siglos, lo que ahora es un momento decisivo para todo un pueblo.

Yo, como muchos otros, tuve grandes sueños cuando emigré a este país desde la nación insular de Barbados. Estaba decidido a triunfar mientras honraba mis raíces y las circunstancias que me moldearon. Esperaba ser un ejemplo para que las futuras generaciones de minorías hicieran lo mismo. La historia de Kamala, aunque no es idéntica, sigue siendo mi historia. Es una historia basada en la inmigración de extremos opuestos del mundo, una historia basada en el trabajo duro, la dedicación y el sacrificio. Es la historia de un sueño, la historia de miles de minorías que continúan la larga lucha contra los prejuicios y la desigualdad.

Este año ha sido un momento propicio para la enseñanza para todos nosotros. COVID-19 nos recordó que todos los humanos son susceptibles a un destino compartido, independientemente de su estado. A través del movimiento Black Lives Matter, se nos recuerda que no es la diversidad, sino la inclusión, lo que realmente nivela nuestros espacios sociales. La nominación de Kamala Harris demuestra que el cambio puede suceder y arroja esperanza y luz durante la oscuridad amenazante. 2020 es un año desafiante, pero significativo. Las lecciones que extraigamos de ella son las que determinarán el futuro de la inclusión en los puestos de poder.

Independientemente del resultado de las elecciones de este año, quiero que personas de todas las razas, orígenes e historias recuerden que es posible lograr mucho mediante el trabajo arduo. Los éxitos de Kamala Harris, Barack Obama y el mío propio no son inalcanzables. La idea de que su amigo o vecino tiene una ventaja en la vida puede ser acertada, pero no define su capacidad ni el futuro de su éxito. Todos podemos alcanzar, aspirar, inspirar y lograr.


Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Who is Kamala Harris?
Join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
for a Special Facebook Live Event
on Monday, August 17
Join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp In Partnership With Chuck Richman, Executive Director of NJHMFA and Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services with NJEDA on Monday, August 17th at 7:00pm for a Special Facebook Live Event.


Learn about the FREE resources or grants for small landlords, renters, first-time homebuyers, and small businesses.
  • Grants for Small Landlords
  • Assistance for Renters
  • First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
  • Free Small Business E-Commerce Training

Event will be streamed on the City's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/cityofplainfieldnj/

We look forward to YOU joining US!
Attention Small Business Owners:
New Jersey Housing & Mortgage
Finance Agency will Offer a Small Landlord Emergency Grant Beginning
on Wednesday, August 19
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) is launching the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program (SLEG) to assist small rental property owners and their tenants during the COVID-19 emergency.

The grant will reimburse small landlords for missed and/or reduced rent payments between April and July 2020. Landlord grantees will be required to forgive back rent and late fees their tenants accrued during the April to July period. 

The application opens on August 19th at 9:00 a.m. and closes on August 26th at 1:00 p.m. To give each eligible application an equal chance of receiving funds, they will be reviewed and selected in a computer-randomized order. Applicants must be the Primary Property Owner of a residential rental property in New Jersey and be registered with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (NJDCA) Bureau of Housing Inspection.

  • Property has at least 3 but no more than 10 total housing units
  • Property is NOT a seasonal or vacation rental property;  
  • Property has a current fire inspection certificate as of March 9, 2020;
  • Property has at least one non-vacant rental unit that was impacted by COVID-19 between April and July 2020;  
  • Must have low-to-moderate income rent levels

Click here for more information.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp Joins Mayor Dahlia Vertreese to Candidly Discuss
the Impacts of School Reopening
The reopening of schools has become a national topic of discussion. Many states and local municipalities are challenged to make difficult decisions about the safety of teachers and students in an environment where the coronavirus keeps evolving.

This past Tuesday, Plainfield's Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and Hillside's Mayor Dahlia Vertreese participated in a virtual meeting sponsored by Zeti Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter and moderated by Juliene Cherry.
Plainfield Police Department Welcomes
Four New Police Officers        
Yesterday, Thursday August 13th the Plainfield Police Department welcomed Officers Briana Baker, Kevin Corona, Toure Simon and Tyler James to its rank. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp along with Police Director Lisa Burgess, Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Councilman Charles McRae accepted the oaths of the new officers to serve and protect our great City.

Within the new social distancing guidelines family members and members of the police department offered support and congratulations to the new officers.
Swearing-in of Police Officer Brianna Baker
Swearing-in of Police Officer Toure Simon
Swearing-in of Police Officer Kevin Corona
Swearing-in of Police Officer Tyler James
Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
On Monday, August 10th the City of Plainfield launched the Report It App to its residents. This App allows the community to conveniently report any issues or concerns they see and provides the City with a resource that engages the community. The See Something Say Something slogan encourages both residents and visitors to work together to keep Plainfield safe, secure and strong.

Click here to download the app.
Face Masks Really Do Matter.
The Scientific Evidence is Growing
By Caitlin McCabe of the Wall Street Journal
Face masks are emerging as one of the most powerful weapons to fight the new coronavirus, with growing evidence that facial coverings help prevent transmission—even if an infected wearer is in close contact with others.

Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said he believes the pandemic could be brought under control over the next four to eight weeks if “we could get everybody to wear a mask right now.” His comments, made in mid-July with the Journal of the American Medical Association, followed an editorial he and others wrote there emphasizing “ample evidence” of asymptomatic spread and highlighting new studies showing how masks help reduce transmission.

The research Dr. Redfield cited included a recently published study suggesting that universal use of surgical masks helped reduce rates of confirmed coronavirus infections among health-care workers at the Mass General Brigham health-care system in Massachusetts.

His comments are the clearest message yet from the CDC, amid fierce debate over facial coverings, fueled initially by shifting messages from federal and global officials about their necessity and then by those espousing individual liberties.

The CDC currently recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public, and several states have made the coverings a requirement for most people in wide-ranging public situations. An analysis published in July in the BMJ, a medical journal, found that face coverings are now recommended or mandated in 160 countries to reduce coronavirus transmission.

Researchers from around the world have found many different kinds of masks can significantly reduce the spread of coronavirus, though new studies have shown that some masks are better than others. Many researchers are also now examining the possibility that masks might offer some personal protection from the virus, despite initial thinking that they mostly protect others.

Experts caution that widespread masking doesn’t eliminate the need to follow other recommendations, like frequent handwashing and social distancing.

Click here for the rest of the article.
Plainfield Residents - Time is Running Out for Us to Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
46 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED!
Completa el censo 2020
Dará forma a nuestro futuro
durante 10 años
¡Quedan 46 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
Summer Meals Program |
Programa de comidas de verano
City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
COVID-19 Resource Guide
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
COVID-19 Testing Options
for Plainfield Residents
Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
Highlighting Women Trail Blazers!
Who is Shirley Chisholm?
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). Her motto and title of her autobiographyUnbossed and Unbought—illustrated her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924, Chisholm was the oldest of four daughters to immigrant parents Charles St. Hill, a factory worker from Guyana, and Ruby Seale St. Hill, a seamstress from Barbados. She graduated from Brooklyn Girls’ High in 1942 and from Brooklyn College cum laude in 1946, where she won prizes on the debate team. Although professors encouraged her to consider a political career, she replied that she faced a “double handicap” as both black and female.

UNION COUNTY: Union County 2020 Kids Recreation and UC Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications by Municipalities
UNION COUNTY -  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grants and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grants are available to municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all 21 municipalities this past week, and applications must be submitted by September 16, 2020.
The Kids Recreation grants can be used to acquire, develop and/or refurbish parks and recreational facilities. The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase plant and maintain trees within their towns.  

“The Trust Fund was established almost 20 years ago with the overwhelming support of Union County voters, and it continues to fulfill its mission today,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Now more than ever before, our public open spaces and recreation resources are of vital importance to the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants to municipalities since its inception in 2000, to plant trees and build or improve playgrounds, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and more.

More than 300 acres of open space land have also been preserved from development and added to the Union County park system through the trust fund.

“Open Space funding furthers Union County’s mission to create healthy opportunities for children to learn and play,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board. “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks. 

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Announces the First Phase of the Small and Micro Business
PPE Access Plan
TRENTON, NJ -- Governor Murphy today announced the first phase of the New Jersey Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program, designed to ensure that the State’s small businesses and non-profits have access to the fairly priced personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to facilitate safe working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The phase was approved by the NJEDA’s Board today, advancing this initial step of a $15 million initiative to address ongoing demand for PPE.

In May 2020, Governor Murphy established the Restart and Recovery Commission and Restart and Recovery Council to guide New Jersey’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Commission and the Council highlighted the need for readily available, reasonably priced, and equitably distributed PPE to accelerate a safe and robust economic recovery. The NJEDA also received input on the PPE Access Program from the Senate Fiscal Strategists Committee.

“Business owners and company leaders have enough on their plates as they navigate operating with new protocols in place to safeguard the health of their customers and staff,” said Governor Murphy. “We are taking this step to make finding and securing PPE and other safeguarding supplies easier for business owners, so they can focus on rebuilding their businesses and ensuring their future success.”

Under the Program’s first phase, the State will launch a new website that provides micro and small businesses with the information needed to make easier and better PPE sourcing decision. The website will also offer a vetted list of online retailers that have agreed to verify the quality of the PPE they are selling and offer at least a 10% discount to businesses who enter through the State’s website. Online retailers will be vetted on a first-come, first serve basis by the NJEDA, and must agree to certain performance standards for their site (e.g., transparent pricing, high-quality products, etc.). Vetted online retailers will also be eligible to access an NJDEA grant pool of up to $3.5M to support the purchase of PPE that is manufactured in New Jersey or sourced from a small wholesaler based in a historically underserved community.

Assuming the first phase of the program is successful, the NJEDA intends to expand the program with a $11M of support for micro and small businesses PPE purchases. The intent is for this support to flow directly through the vetted online vendors, allowing users to access the grant funds at the time of their online checkout. Through this innovative public-private approach, the State anticipates that it could support more than $45 million in PPE purchases and more than 50,000 small and micro businesses.

“The NJEDA’s top priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been helping the smallest of businesses face the unique challenges posed by this public health and economic crisis, including keeping their employees and customers safe,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Ensuring sufficient access to quality, affordable PPE is essential to allowing businesses of all sizes to reopen safely.”

During March and April, New Jersey saw an unprecedented spike in the demand for PPE, largely driven by the healthcare sector. Today the availability of PPE has improved, but as more parts of the economy reopen and other U.S. States face spikes in COVID-19 cases, demand for PPE to protect employees and customers has surged. The resulting shortages and increased prices disproportionately effect small businesses and organizations and those in historically underserved communities.

“Dependable, convenient access to PPE supplies is a key determinant of our ability to manage the spread of COVID-19 and the viability of any plan to reopen the state’s small businesses,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This proactive approach will help to alleviate the burden on business owners of finding reliable providers so they can focus on getting back to work.”

In June the NJEDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input and suggestions that could help to shape a possible program to ensure small businesses had sufficient access to PPE. Taking this feedback into account, the NJEDA crafted the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program to ensure access to affordable PPE, help business owners understand the specific safety equipment they need, and support the state’s manufacturing sector by encouraging PPE suppliers to manufacture products in New Jersey.

“The NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program will help businesses identify and acquire the safety equipment they need while providing a much-needed boost for New Jersey’s manufacturers and smaller wholesalers,” said Tony Coscia, Partner and Executive Committee Member, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP. “The program will ensure increased efficiency and equity on both the distribution and procurement sides of the PPE equation.”

Coscia serves as Co-Chair of Governor Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Commission Economics and Fiscal Policy Working Group.

“While we have all faced daunting challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners and their employees have undoubtedly been hit the hardest. As we take steps toward recovery, it is important that we make sure these businesses are able to reopen and operate safely,” said Senator Paul Sarlo. “The PPE Access Program is an important tool that will help us achieve these goals by ensuring small businesses are able to get the protective equipment they need to get back to work while keeping their employees and customers safe.”

"Access to personal protective equipment, and the cost associated with it, has been one of my biggest concerns since the onset of this pandemic. Our smallest businesses are struggling as it is, and while they work to outfit their employees with PPE they're all too often faced with shipping delays and exorbitant prices, compromising the safety of their employees and further stretching their already tight budgets," said Senator Teresa Ruiz. "This marketplace will help to ensure access to masks and other protective equipment by offering quicker turn-around times and more reasonable prices, protecting our businesses, their employees, and their customers. I am glad the NJEDA worked with the legislature and implemented this initiative."

“I applaud the NJEDA for working cooperatively with members of the Senate Fiscal Strategists Committee to help our small businesses and nonprofits secure discounted PPE,” said Senator Troy Singleton. “As we work to rebuild our economy, continued cooperation amongst all layers of government will be required to achieve the goal of getting New Jersey fully back to work. There is more that needs to be done, but today’s announcement is another important and key step towards turning that goal into a reality.”

“Small businesses on Main Streets across New Jersey need access to stable supplies of affordable personal protective equipment to ensure the health and safety of their customers and employees,” said Senator Steve Oroho. “This new program from the NJEDA will help our local mom-and-pop shops to purchase the PPE they need at discounted rates. This will help them to comply with safety protocols that align with CDC guidelines, providing the opportunity to compete and thrive during this unprecedented crisis.”

“As co-chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, I believe that the creation of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program is an essential project for the State of New Jersey. Ensuring reliable and affordable access to PPE for the state’s smallest businesses and non-profits will allow them to keep their workers and customers safe. The program will also support purchase of PPE from New Jersey-based manufacturers and from underserved communities,” said Senator Linda R. Greenstein, Chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. “During the height of the pandemic, we became aware of the lack of access to PPE and the fact that many purchasers were going out of state to buy needed items, leaving New Jersey manufacturers without customers. This program will remedy many of these problems.”

“I applaud the NJEDA for taking the initiative to create a program to meet the need for PPE at this time,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “The NJ PPE Access Program will streamline the process to obtain PPE at fair prices and help businesses stay afloat. Any business that wants to function has to have personal protective equipment to protect not only the consumers but the staff as well. Thank you to the NJEDA for listening to the concerns of the businesses in our state.”

Applications for the online retailers to participate in the program are expected to launch as soon as possible. The public facing website, including small business decision-making tools and vetted discounted retailers will follow by early-to-mid September. More information can be found on the State’s COVID19.nj.gov website.

To support the expansion of local PPE manufacturing in New Jersey, the NJEDA will provide grant funding to subsidize up to 20% of the purchases of PPE that has been (i) manufactured or assembled in New Jersey or (ii) sources from a wholesaler with less than 25 employees and is located in a historically underserved community (Opportunity Zone Eligible census tracts). Throughout the pandemic, NJEDA has been working closely with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) to identify and support companies that make or have pivoted to make PPE, many of which could supply New Jersey-made goods to the Program’s vetted online vendors.

The NJEDA is setting aside an additional $0.5 million for program development, marketing, administration, and compliance.

To read Governor Murphy's full economic plan, please visit: https://nj.gov/economicplan

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One Plainfield. One Future
Volume 7 - Issue 33