Plainfield Promise and the Bierstadt Paintings |
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Dear Friend,
The Plainfield Promise is an idea that was conceptualized a few years ago as a result of one of my trips to the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). It stemmed from a pressing need to influence our students' educational outcomes here in the City of Plainfield.
Since the days of segregation, minority students in this city have suffered disproportionately from a lack of resources, fewer opportunities, and increasingly lower academic scores.
The Plainfield Promise aims to address income inequality by providing every child starting kindergarten in Plainfield with an account of up to $500. High school students who cannot afford to attend college would receive a full scholarship to Union County College or an accredited vocational or professional training institution.
The Plainfield Promise will also provide financial literacy training to Plainfield students beginning at age five (5). Exposure to financial literacy at an early has proven to increase economic stability for students who were exposed during their formative years. According to research by the University of Cambridge in England, most children form financial habits by age seven (7). Early financial literacy programs help students to connect their academic life with their future goals directly. Parents will not be able to withdraw funds from these accounts, they will only be able to make deposits. The funds may only be used for college tuition or an accredited vocational or professional training institution.
In 1919 Dr. J. Ackerman Coles donated two paintings by the artist Albert Bierstadt to the City of Plainfield. Today, these paintings can change thousands of lives by putting them to auction and using the proceeds to fund the Plainfield Promise. Before this could be done, we needed permission to alter the trust. We applied to the Union County Superior Court as the New Jersey Attorney General's Office has oversight of the trust. Deputy Attorney General Jay Ganzman said his office did not oppose Plainfield's requested modification of the trust and its intent to sell the paintings. However, Union County Superior Court Judge Robert Mega, this past Tuesday, denied the City’s request to sell the paintings.
It was a disappointing verdict, not the least because one of the paintings depict what can only be described as a racist scene in which Native Americans are portrayed as kneeling and bowing to Columbus as he makes land. We had an opportunity to transform something with ugly overtones into something meaningful that would give in perpetuity to this city and to the Plainfield Promise scholarship recipients and their descendants.
Ugly scenes have unfolded across our country, exposing an underbelly of hate and bigotry. It is doubly hurtful that an opportunity was missed to send a powerful message about these current issues. It is difficult to speculate on what Dr. Coles would have done given today's social climate. I believe that since the gift was given in the name of his father, who was an educator himself, he would have been in favor of helping the students who so badly need assistance.
On numerous occasions, I have shared my love and passion for education. I will persevere to find a way to fund the Plainfield Promise. This initiative's fruition is not about me; it's not about hidden agendas; it is about our children; it is how we plan for the next generation and it is how we pursue equity while working to dismantle the vestiges of systemic racism and the structural inequality rooted in this nation’s abhorrent past. Unfortunately, there are still too many amongst us who find it difficult to let go of the relics of an ugly past. It is frustrating to see our school district continue to flounder. So many of our young people lose opportunities and struggle to deal with life after high school without many options.
The judges' decision may have preserved these paintings in Plainfield, it will surely preserve, for a while longer, the inequities that exist in our city, and it may be pleasing to a handful of people who couldn’t care less about leveling the playing field and righting the wrongs of a nation that has for centuries tried to deny an education to the enslaved and their offspring. Nevertheless we will keep fighting to right the wrongs of a system whose building blocks are steeply rooted in its racist past.
Education has real power and enriches our communities with smart, knowledgeable residents. As such, we, as a city, should always strive to put it first and foremost. I remain committed and steadfast in doing what I can to ensure every single Plainfield student can have the education s/he wants and deserves.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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La Promesa de Plainfield Y las Pinturas
de Bierstadt
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Querido Plainfield,
La Promesa de Plainfield es una idea que se conceptualizó hace unos años como resultado de uno de mis viajes a la Conferencia de Alcaldes de los Estados Unidos (USCM). Surgió de una necesidad urgente de influir en los resultados educativos de nuestros estudiantes aquí en la ciudad de Plainfield.
Desde los días de la segregación, los estudiantes de minorías en esta ciudad han sufrido desproporcionadamente por la falta de recursos, menos oportunidades y puntajes académicos cada vez más bajos.
La Promesa de Plainfield tiene como objetivo abordar la desigualdad de ingresos al proporcionar a cada niño que comienza el jardín de infancia en Plainfield una cuenta de hasta $500. Los estudiantes de secundaria que no puedan pagar la asistencia a la universidad recibirán una beca completa para Union County College o una institución de formación profesional o vocacional acreditada.
La Promesa de Plainfield también proporcionará capacitación en educación financiera a los estudiantes de Plainfield a partir de los cinco (5) años. La exposición temprana a la educación financiera ha demostrado aumentar la estabilidad económica de los estudiantes que estuvieron expuestos durante sus años de formación. Según una investigación de la Universidad de Cambridge en Inglaterra, la mayoría de los niños adquieren hábitos financieros a los siete (7) años. Los programas de educación financiera temprana ayudan a los estudiantes a conectar su vida académica con sus metas directamente. Los padres no podrán retirar fondos de estas cuentas, solo podrán realizar depósitos. Los fondos solo pueden utilizarse para la matrícula universitaria o una institución de formación profesional o vocacional acreditada.
En 1919, el Dr. J. Ackerman Coles donó dos pinturas del artista Albert Bierstadt a la ciudad de Plainfield. Hoy en día, estas pinturas pueden cambiar miles de vidas al ponerlas a subasta y utilizar las ganancias para financiar la Promesa de Plainfield. Antes de que se pudiera hacer esto, necesitábamos permiso para alterar la confianza. Solicitamos al Tribunal Superior del Condado de Union ya que la Oficina del Fiscal General de Nueva Jersey supervisa el fideicomiso. El fiscal general adjunto Jay Ganzman dijo que su oficina no se opuso a la modificación solicitada por Plainfield del fideicomiso y su intención de vender las pinturas. Sin embargo, el juez de la Corte Superior del condado de Union, Robert Mega, el martes pasado, negó la solicitud de la Ciudad de vender las pinturas.
Fue un veredicto decepcionante, sobre todo porque una de las pinturas representa lo que solo puede describirse como una escena racista en la que se retrata a los nativos americanos arrodillados e inclinándose ante Colón mientras él aterriza. Tuvimos la oportunidad de transformar algo con connotaciones desagradables en algo significativo que daría a perpetuidad a esta ciudad y a los becarios de Plainfield Promise y sus descendientes.
Se han desarrollado escenas horribles en todo nuestro país, exponiendo un punto débil de odio e intolerancia. Es doblemente doloroso que se haya perdido la oportunidad de enviar un mensaje poderoso sobre estos temas actuales. Es difícil especular sobre lo que habría hecho el Dr. Coles dado el clima social actual. Creo que dado que el obsequio fue entregado a nombre de su padre, que era educador él mismo, habría estado a favor de ayudar a los estudiantes que tanto necesitan ayuda.
En numerosas ocasiones he compartido mi amor y pasión por la educación. Perseveraré para encontrar una manera de financiar la Promesa Plainfield. La realización de esta iniciativa no se trata de mí; no se trata de agendas ocultas; se trata de nuestros hijos; así es como planeamos para la próxima generación y es cómo buscamos la equidad mientras trabajamos para desmantelar los vestigios del racismo sistémico y la desigualdad estructural arraigada en el abominable pasado de esta nación. Desafortunadamente, todavía hay muchos entre nosotros a los que les resulta difícil dejar ir las reliquias de un feo pasado. Es frustrante ver que nuestro distrito escolar continúa fracasando. Muchos de nuestros jóvenes pierden oportunidades y luchan por lidiar con la vida después de la escuela secundaria sin muchas opciones.
La decisión de los jueces puede haber conservado estas pinturas en Plainfield, seguramente conservará, por un tiempo más, las desigualdades que existen en nuestra ciudad, y puede ser agradable para un puñado de personas a las que no les importa nada nivelar las oportunidades y corregir los errores de una nación que durante siglos ha tratado de negar una educación a los esclavizados y su descendencia. Sin embargo, seguiremos luchando para corregir los errores de un sistema cuyos componentes básicos están profundamente arraigados en un pasado racista.
La educación tiene un poder real y enriquece nuestras comunidades con residentes inteligentes y conocedores. Como tal, nosotros, como ciudad, siempre debemos esforzarnos por ponerlo en primer lugar. Sigo comprometido y firme en hacer lo que puedo para asegurar que cada estudiante de Plainfield pueda tener la educación que quiere y merece.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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Groundbreaking Event at
Elmwood Gardens
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On Thursday, September 17, the Housing Authority of Plainfield (HAP) broke ground on a $19.3 million project to celebrate the new construction of Elmwood Square, an ambitious redevelopment plan that will bring 58 new apartments to the community.
The ceremony took place in partnership with the City of Plainfield, the Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC), the County of Union, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and The Alpert Group.
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Shirley Chisolm Discusses How She
Was Treated as a New Member of the
US House of Representatives
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How a trailblazer with an undeniable Bajan accent was greeted with racism in the US House of Representatives. She paved the way for Kamala Harris and many others who followed in her giant foot steps. |
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Community Development Block Grant
Program Year 47
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The Senior Freeze is best described as a Property Tax Reimbursement for eligible seniors and disabled persons. The amount of the tax reimbursement will be the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid by the applicant for 2018 and the amount that was due and paid in 2019.
A tent is set up in the parking lot area of the City Hall with a representative from the tax office to answer all of your Senior Freeze questions. This program has been active all summer, and will continue to run every Tuesday and Thursday until October 29 in the parking lot area of the Plainfield City Hall, weather permitting. Please bring your federal tax return from 2018 and 2019 if you need help filling out your blue book. We want to make it as easy as possible for all Plainfield seniors to receive their tax reimbursement, so be sure to visit us from 10AM-2PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays before time runs out!
For more information on the Senior Freeze program and to find out of you’re eligible, please click here
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National Car Free Week Begins on
Monday, September 21
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The purpose of the Car Free Week is to remind Americans that while cars are indeed a terrific form of transportation, there are MANY tasks that we as a city, and as individual residents can do to reduce our dependence on cars, improve our air quality, our health, and reduce fatalities. |
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New Jersey's General Election on Tuesday, November 3rd
is by Paper Ballot
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Let Your Voices Be Heard. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
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Plainfield Residents - Time is Running Out for Us to Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
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11 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED! |
¡Quedan 11 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
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Did you know that The Census Bureau estimates that for each person counted our community would receive approximately $1,800/year. In a city like Plainfield with an approximate resident count of 50,000 that means $90M annually and $900M over the next ten years.
Currently Plainfield's self response rate us 57.7%. This means the City of Plainfield will not receive funding for 21,150 residents which equates to $38 million per year.
Think about this for a moment. Think about the programs and resources that could benefit our schools, seniors and YOU as a resident of this city that we will not have funding for.
** Please note that these are estimates based on 50,000 residents. The totals could be more if our population count is higher.
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Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome's Census Appeal |
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Business Webinar Series Available to
Plainfield Businesses
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Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) Presents a Webinar - Basic Financial Statements & Profitability on Tuesday, September 22 beginning at 6:00pm.
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The Plainfield Special Improvement District (SID) is currently offering a series of webinars to assist with business from creating a business plan, to sales and marketing and finances.
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Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in your city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule |
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
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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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Union County's Emergency Food
Distribution Event Tomorrow
Saturday, September 19th
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
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September is National Suicide
Prevention Month
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Suicide affects all ages. Suicide is a problem throughout the life span. It is the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age, the fourth leading cause among people 35 to 54 years of age, and the eighth leading cause among people 55 to 64 years of age.
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Announces Two New Grant Programs Funded by the CARES Act |
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UNION COUNTY, NJ - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce two new grant programs funded through the CARES Act: the Safe Learning Settings grant program and the Non-Profit Organization grant program.
Both programs were approved at the September 3rd regular Freeholder meeting. Each program has been allocated $4 million in CARES Act funding.
“During these times there is an immediate need in our community for financial assistance,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we are able to provide these funds through the CARES Act to provide relief for non-profits, and families in need of child care.”
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As part of Union County’s response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency, the Union County CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant will support child care costs for working Union County families. This program will offset child care costs to help parents continue to work.
To be eligible for the Safe Learning Setting grant applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Reside in Union County;
- household must be comprised of at least one adult and one school age child – 5-13 years old at the time of application;
- school age child(ren) must be enrolled in a public school district within Union County;
- Adults in the household must be working or attending school and child(ren) must be enrolled in the USDA Free or Reduced Meal Program;
- Families must be ineligible for state/local subsidy program or other duplication of services.
There are approximately 593 slots available and applications will be rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The County is working with licensed childcare centers throughout the area.
Families interested in applying for the Safe Learning Settings Grant should visit https://ucnj.org/safe-learning-settings-grant-family-application. The program will also have the added effect of preserving and extending operations of high quality child care programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the children and families in Union County.
“The integral role that our non-profit providers, schools, child care facilities, and educational programming play in assisting the Union County community year round is evident and now more than ever we need to work alongside these institutions in the best interest of our residents as we battle Covid-19 together,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Fiscal Committee and the liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.
Freeholder Granados added, “The Safe Learning Grant will assist families tremendously with students whose school districts have adapted to the new norm with virtual/hybrid learning and the Non-Profit Grant will help our non-profits continue to provide social and support services that are beneficial to many of our fellow community members.”
The Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant will be used to support the on-going work of approximately 200 local non-profit organizations that provide critical services that support the County’s prevention, preparation, and ongoing response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide them with the financial support they need to continue to reopen, or remain open safely, to provide county residents with much needed supports and services during the pandemic.
To qualify for the Non-Profit grant each applicant must:
- have an office physically located and operated in the County of Union;
- have evidence that the organization serves County of Union residents;
- have evidence of local needs specific to COVID-19 impacts;
- be operating and registered with the State of New Jersey as a 501(C)(3); and
- disclose if the Non-Profit has received any other CARES funds, how much was allocated, and what the funds were expended on.
For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Non-Profit Grant, contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 / (908) 558-2288 or email uccaresnonprofit@ucnj.org.
For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant, contact the Union County Department of Finance at UCCARESSLSG@ucnj.org or by calling (908) 558- 2367.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Murphy Administration Announces
$3.5 Million Investment in State Navigators
to Assist Uninsured and Underserved
New Jerseyans with ACA Health Insurance Enrollment
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TRENTON, NJ -- Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride today announced $3.5 million in grant funding for community organizations to serve as state Navigators to provide free outreach, education, and enrollment assistance to residents shopping for health insurance during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period. Despite drastic federal cuts to the Navigator program in recent years, the Administration has more than doubled its investment since the State began operating the program last year and has taken numerous actions to improve access to health coverage. The increased investment is made possible by the State’s move to its own health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, for the upcoming year.
The Open Enrollment Period in New Jersey will run from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, which is double the six-week period held last year, a benefit of New Jersey operating a State-Based Exchange.
“Our current public health emergency has underscored the importance of our efforts to ensure that as many residents as possible have access to health coverage,” said Governor Murphy. “We made the decision to establish our own marketplace last year based on the principle that health insurance is a fundamental right. This increased investment is an extension of that belief and could not come at a more important time.”
The investment in outreach and enrollment assistance is part of the state’s transition to a State-Based Exchange, also referred to as the Marketplace, to improve access to health coverage for New Jersey’s residents. Governor Murphy signed legislation last year to establish a State-Based Exchange in New Jersey.
“Navigators are vital to reaching New Jersey’s uninsured and underinsured and connecting them to quality, affordable health coverage and available financial help,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “We are thrilled to expand our network of community organizations that provide assistance to New Jerseyans, and ensure that our residents can get the health coverage and care they deserve. I want to thank the organizations that have committed to assisting the residents of their communities at such a critical time. We look forward to working with additional community partners as we work to get New Jersey residents covered this Open Enrollment Period and throughout the year.”
Four current Navigators have been granted a one-year extension of their grants at their current funding levels for the next year; one current Navigator was awarded expansion funding. An additional 11 organizations will be funded to serve as new Navigators to support enrollment assistance in the State-Based Marketplace. All of the organizations serving as Navigators will have the ability to assist residents remotely during the
COVID-19 public health emergency.
Organizations who receive funding through the grant program must comply with state and federal requirements. Grantee activities will include outreach and education year-round for 2021 coverage, including in advance of and during the Open Enrollment Period.
The following organizations were awarded funding for the 2020-2021 grant year under the New Jersey State Navigator Grant Program:
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*Current Navigators
** Current Navigator awarded expansion funding
In addition to state-funded Navigators, Certified Application Counselors (CACs) and Brokers will also assist consumers with health insurance enrollment. All Navigators, Certified Application Counselors (CACs), and Brokers are required to complete state training and certification to assist consumers with health insurance enrollment on the state Marketplace. Organizations interested in serving as Certified Application Counselor Designated Organizations (CDOs), which oversee CACs, and agents and brokers interested in assisting consumers with Marketplace coverage may find information on certification at getcovered.nj.gov under For Assisters and Brokers.
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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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