Renewal and Resolutions for Spring

Dear Jazz,

As we embrace the renewal of spring, I find myself reflecting on the transformative power this season holds. While many of us are accustomed to making resolutions at the start of the new year, I've always felt drawn to the idea of setting my intentions with the arrival of spring. There is something profoundly inspirational about witnessing Mother Nature shake off the winter chill, ushering in a period where the earth comes alive again with vibrant colors and new life. It's a reminder of the endless possibilities for growth and renewal not just in nature but within ourselves and our community.

Spring symbolizes a fresh start, an opportunity to bloom alongside the natural world. It's a time when the longer days and warmer weather inspire us to open up, to shed the layers we've built around ourselves during the colder months. This season encourages us to look forward with optimism, to envision a future filled with growth and potential. It's in this spirit of renewal and rejuvenation that I find myself contemplating the changes I wish to see in my life and in our beloved city.

This spring, I urge each of you to join me in recommitting to acts of kindness, to showing love in its many forms, and to investing our energy and resources back into our city. Let's take this opportunity to nurture the bonds that connect us, to support one another in our endeavors, and to collectively contribute to making our community a more vibrant, inclusive, and loving place to live. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, supporting a neighbor in need, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, every act of kindness sends ripples throughout our community.

Recommitting to our city means actively participating in its growth and well-being. It means being mindful of our impact on the environment, supporting local businesses, and taking part in civic engagements. It's about creating a legacy of sustainability, prosperity, and community for future generations to inherit. Let us all pledge to make choices that not only benefit us today but also safeguard the interests of those who will come after us.

I ask you to join me as we allow the renewal of spring to serve as a catalyst for personal and communal transformation. Let's harness the energy and inspiration this season provides to recommit to acts of kindness, to showing love, and to our city. Together, we CAN cultivate a community that thrives on compassion, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Let this spring mark the beginning of a chapter filled with growth, prosperity, and unity for all of us.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

Querido(a) Jazz,

Mientras abrazamos la renovación de la primavera, me encuentro reflexionando sobre el poder transformador que tiene esta estación. Si bien muchos de nosotros estamos acostumbrados a hacer propósitos al comienzo del nuevo año, a mí siempre me ha atraído la idea de establecer mis intenciones con la llegada de la primavera. Hay algo profundamente inspirador en ver a la Madre Naturaleza deshacerse del frío invernal, dando paso a un período en el que la tierra vuelve a cobrar vida con colores vibrantes y nueva vida. Es un recordatorio de las infinitas posibilidades de crecimiento y renovación no sólo en la naturaleza sino también dentro de nosotros mismos y nuestra comunidad.

La primavera simboliza un nuevo comienzo, una oportunidad para florecer junto al mundo natural. Es un momento en el que los días más largos y el clima más cálido nos inspiran a abrirnos, a deshacernos de las capas que hemos construido a nuestro alrededor durante los meses más fríos. Esta temporada nos anima a mirar hacia adelante con optimismo, a imaginar un futuro lleno de crecimiento y potencial. Es con este espíritu de renovación y rejuvenecimiento que me encuentro contemplando los cambios que deseo ver en mi vida y en nuestra querida ciudad.

Esta primavera, insto a cada uno de ustedes a que se unan a mí para volver a comprometerse con actos de bondad, mostrar amor en sus múltiples formas e invertir nuestra energía y recursos en nuestra ciudad. Aprovechemos esta oportunidad para nutrir los lazos que nos conectan, apoyarnos unos a otros en nuestros esfuerzos y contribuir colectivamente a hacer de nuestra comunidad un lugar más vibrante, inclusivo y amoroso para vivir. Ya sea como voluntario en una organización benéfica local, apoyando a un vecino necesitado o simplemente ofreciendo una sonrisa a un extraño, cada acto de bondad genera repercusiones en toda nuestra comunidad.

Recomprometerse con nuestra ciudad significa participar activamente en su crecimiento y bienestar. Significa ser conscientes de nuestro impacto en el medio ambiente, apoyar a las empresas locales y participar en compromisos cívicos. Se trata de crear un legado de sostenibilidad, prosperidad y comunidad para que lo hereden las generaciones futuras. Comprometámonos todos a tomar decisiones que no sólo nos beneficien hoy sino que también salvaguarden los intereses de quienes vendrán después de nosotros.

Les pido que se unan a mí mientras permitimos que la renovación de la primavera sirva como catalizador para la transformación personal y comunitaria. Aprovechemos la energía y la inspiración que brinda esta temporada para volver a comprometernos con actos de bondad, mostrar amor y con nuestra ciudad. Juntos, PODEMOS cultivar una comunidad que se nutre de la compasión, el respeto mutuo y la responsabilidad compartida. Que esta primavera marque el comienzo de un capítulo lleno de crecimiento, prosperidad y unidad para todos nosotros.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

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Muhlenberg Foundation Grants $700,000 to City of Plainfield for Emergency Medical Services

PLAINFIELD - March 05, 2024 - Hackensack Meridian Health Muhlenberg Foundation, located at the Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center’s Muhlenberg campus, proudly announced a grant of $700,000 to the City of Plainfield. This substantial grant was dedicated to funding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the residents of Plainfield.

"This was fantastic news for the City of Plainfield," exclaimed Rob Fleschler, chair of the Muhlenberg Foundation. "Emergency services are vital to all communities, and bolstering the availability of EMS services in Plainfield made all the difference to community members in need of emergency care."

Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, expressed gratitude, stating, "The generous grant from the Muhlenberg Foundation was not just a gift; it was a lifeline. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the City of Plainfield were not merely necessary—they were crucial."

Amie Thornton, president and chief hospital executive of JFK University Medical Center, added, "We were thankful to the Muhlenberg Foundation for their continued support of the greater Plainfield community. The foundation’s generosity supported the provision of Emergency Medical Services to this important community."

The Muhlenberg Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives in the Plainfield area. It not only aided the JFK University Medical Center but also supported various educational and community programs, including nursing and medical school scholarships and Plainfield Health Connections.

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Union County’s Healthcare Job Fair Connects Professionals With Promising Opportunities

March 7, 2024

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the American Job Center, invite all healthcare professionals seeking new career opportunities to the Healthcare Job Fair on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Warinanco Sports Center.

“We are not just offering jobs, we are creating pathways for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our communities,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This event not only provides a platform for healthcare professionals to explore career opportunities, but also reflects our commitment to encouraging growth and innovation within the healthcare industry.”

The Healthcare Job Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. The fair will feature a range of roles, including job opportunities for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Medical Assistants, Certified Medication Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Emergency Medical Technicians. Representatives from the following companies will be present:

Horizon Healthcare Staffing
NYC Administration for Children’s Services
Atlantic Health Systems
Atlantic Private Care Services
Confident Care Group
Instacare Home Health Solutions
Propel America
Curalta Foot + Ankle
Community Access Unlimited
Hudson Milestones
CareFinders
Jefferson Park Ministries

In a commitment to making the recruitment process effective and accessible, the event will provide on-the-spot interviews. Applicants are asked to bring a copy of their resume, as they will have the chance to participate directly with representatives from each organization in person.

“Given the staggering 1.8 million job openings in the healthcare industry each year, it’s crucial to link skilled professionals with job opportunities,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Workforce Development Board.

“The Healthcare Job Fair serves as a bridge between employers and our local workforce. By addressing the healthcare sector’s needs, we strengthen our industry, grow job opportunities, and make our community stronger.”

Registration is required on www.ucnj.org/dhs/job-fairs/. For employers who wish to participate in the Healthcare Job Fair, please call Carolina Marin at (908) 527-4373 or email ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org.

Murphy Administration Awards $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to 353 Fire Departments in New Jersey

March 5, 2024

Grants Will Ensure Firefighters Have Proper Fire Protection, Cleaning, and Sanitization Equipment

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the award of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the grants to 353 fire departments after a competitive application process.

Today’s announcement marks the second time the Murphy Administration has awarded American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grants. In November 2022, DCA awarded $10 million to 293 fire departments.

“I am pleased that my Administration was able to double the allocation of ARP funds in this year’s budget from $10 million to $20 million to fire departments, which provide critical, life-saving services in our communities,” said Governor Murphy. “The continuation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program for a second cycle means local governments don’t have to break the bank to get firefighters the gear and equipment they need. We’re putting our federal tax dollars to use here in New Jersey communities for essential services.”

“This funding would not be possible without the support of our state and federal legislators, who have time and time again prioritized our first responders,” continued Governor Murphy.

“It can be difficult for fire departments to replace equipment when needed due to the high costs involved and financial constraints. The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants give fire departments the ability to purchase the equipment they need to protect our communities and keep themselves safe,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “DCA is proud to administer this important grant program and direct federal funds to the public servants who answer the call to serve their community despite enormous risk to their lives.”

From the establishment of the firefighter grant program nearly 25 years ago, to consistently requesting budget resolutions towards funding to support fire departments throughout the state, to the creation of task forces in support of fire safety, New Jersey legislators at the federal and state level have advocated for our fire departments for years.

“As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I am thrilled to see Governor Murphy allocate $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to fire departments statewide,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09). “I fought to include funding for our first responders in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and I am glad to see the funds put to use for our firefighters. This investment will empower 335 local and regional fire departments across New Jersey, providing them with the resources they need to protect our communities and save lives. I commend Governor Murphy and his administration for their dedication to public safety. In the Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure our first responders have the funding and support they need to keep us and themselves safe.”

Fire departments will use the grant funding to help cover costs associated with the purchases of:

Protective clothing (turnout clothing ensembles, pants, helmets, hoods, gloves, footwear, etc.);
Cleaning and advanced cleaning equipment;
Breathing apparatuses;
Personal protective equipment (PPE); and
Other fire and/or virus protection equipment as determined to be appropriate by DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS).

A full list of the grant recipients, including grant award amount, is posted at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/programs/arpffg.shtml on DCA’s website.

To qualify for grant funding, each eligible applicant had to describe the intended use of the funding, list the key personnel and/or outside consultant that will be managing the grant funds and purchase of equipment, and submit a governing body resolution acknowledging and approving any grant application and the proposed plan to use funds for the purchase of approved items.

Grant applications were reviewed based on the following criteria:

Scope of fire department need as demonstrated by equipment need, number of service calls, number of active firefighters, distressed city rating, and population of service area.
Level of commitment to protecting firefighters as demonstrated by the local match to the grant funding and other grants for protective equipment or other firefighting projects.

All local and regional fire departments in New Jersey were eligible to apply.

The American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants are reimbursement-based. There is no advance payment or drawdown of grant funds. Eligible costs are reimbursed to the fire department when it submits evidence of payment of qualifying expenses to DCA.

“Safe clothing and gear are extremely important to firefighters’ physical and mental health,” said State Fire Marshal and Division of Fire Safety Director Richard Mikutsky. “The continuation of these grant funds means so much to these dedicated first responders, many of whom are volunteers.”

“Another strong commitment from the Murphy administration to protect New Jersey’s bravest. The number one killer to firefighters is cancer. This appropriation will help ensure we continue to take the steps to protect ourselves while we are out there protecting the residents and visitors of New Jersey,” said Ed Donnelly, President NJ FMBA.

“The health and safety of Firefighters should be a top priority for everyone in our state. This grant program goes a long way in supporting the well-being of our NJ Firefighters who serve in career and volunteer departments. We applaud Governor Murphy for his leadership and thank everyone involved for this important program. Having proper protective equipment and the ability to maintain that equipment in an uncontaminated condition will help shield the health and safety of Firefighters throughout NJ,” said Robert F. Ordway, President, New Jersey State Firemen’s Association.

“Since the inception of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants program, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) is honored to stand with the governor on this initiative. We are proud to see the awarding of an additional $20 million in funding. PFANJ firefighters courageously confront dangers daily, and this funding empowers departments to procure essential equipment for our vital duties. Governor Murphy consistently prioritizes the safety of our members, and for that, we express our gratitude,” said Matthew Caliente, President, Professional Firefighters Assoc. of NJ, IAFF, NJ AFL-CIO.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Plan to Lower Housing Costs for Working Families

March 7, 2024

Building and preserving over 2 million new homes to lower rents and the cost of buying a home

Washington, D.C. - President Biden believes housing costs are too high, and significant investments are needed to address the large shortage of affordable homes inherited from his predecessor and that has been growing for more than a decade. During his State of the Union Address, President Biden will call on Congressional Republicans to end years of inaction and pass legislation to lower costs by providing a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and people who sell their starter homes; build and renovate more than 2 million homes; and lower rental costs. President Biden also announced new steps to lower homebuying and refinancing closing costs and crack down on corporate actions that rip off renters.

We are starting to see some progress. More housing units are under construction right now than at any time in the last 50 years, rents have fallen over the last year in many places, and the homeownership rate is higher now than before the pandemic. But rent is still too high, and Americans who want to buy a home still have difficulty finding one they can afford. That is why President Biden has a landmark plan to build over 2 million homes, which will lower rents, make houses more affordable, and promote fair housing.

Lowering Costs of Homeownership

For many Americans, owning a home is the cornerstone of raising a family, building wealth, and joining the middle class. Too many working families feel locked out of homeownership and are unable to compete with investors for a limited supply of affordable for-sale homes. President Biden is calling on Congress to enact legislation to enable more Americans to purchase a home, including:

Mortgage Relief Credit. President Biden is calling on Congress to pass a mortgage relief credit that would provide middle-class first-time homebuyers with an annual tax credit of $5,000 a year for two years. This is the equivalent of reducing the mortgage rate by more than 1.5 percentage points for two years on the median home, and will help more than 3.5 million middle-class families purchase their first home over the next two years.

The President’s plan also calls for a new credit to unlock inventory of affordable starter homes, while helping middle-class families move up the housing ladder and empty nesters right size. Many homeowners have lower rates on their mortgages than current rates. This “lock-in” effect makes homeowners more reluctant to sell and give up that low rate, even in circumstances where their current homes no longer fit their household needs. The President is calling on Congress to provide a one-year tax credit of up to $10,000 to middle-class families who sell their starter home, defined as homes below the area median home price in the county, to another owner-occupant. This proposal is estimated to help nearly 3 million families.

Down Payment Assistance for First-Generation Homeowners. The President continues to call on Congress to provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers whose families haven’t benefited from the generational wealth building associated with homeownership. This proposal is estimated to help 400,000 families purchase their first home.

The President isn’t waiting for Congress to lower costs for homebuyers and homeowners. Last year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reduced the mortgage insurance premium for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages, saving an estimated 850,000 homebuyers and homeowners an estimated $800 per year. And today, the President is announcing new actions to lower the closing costs associated with buying a home or refinancing a mortgage.

Lowering Closing Costs for Refinancing. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has approved policies and pilots to reduce closing costs for homeowners, including a pilot to waive the requirement for lender’s title insurance on certain refinances. This would save thousands of homeowners up to $1500, and an average of $750, and the lower upfront fees will unlock substantial savings for homeowners as mortgage rates continue to fall and more homeowners are able to refinance. According to independent analysis, across the market title insurance typically pays out only 3% to 5% of premiums in claims to consumers, compared to more than 70% in other types of insurance. Homeowners can still purchase their own title insurance policies if they choose to do so.

Lowering Closing Costs for Home Mortgages. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will pursue rulemaking and guidance to address anticompetitive closing costs imposed by lenders on homebuyers and homeowners. These charges—which benefit the lender but not the borrower—can add thousands to the upfront costs of a mortgage. Those upfront costs cut into the amount of homebuyers’ down payments and reduce homeowners’ available equity.

In the coming months, the Department of Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office will convene a roundtable of relevant industry stakeholders, including consumer advocates and academics, in order to discuss the title insurance industry and analyze potential reforms. Building on today’s announcements, President Biden is calling on federal agencies to take all available actions to lower costs for consumers at the closing table and help more Americans access homeownership.

Lowering Costs by Building and Preserving 2 Million Homes

America needs to build more housing in order to lower rental costs and increase access to homeownership. That’s why the President is calling on Congress to pass legislation to build and renovate more than 2 million homes, which would close the housing supply gap and lower housing costs for renters and homeowners. This legislation would build on executive actions in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan that contributed to record housing construction last year.

Tax Credits to Build More Housing. President Biden is calling for an expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to build or preserve 1.2 million more affordable rental units. Renters living in these properties save hundreds of dollars each month on their rent compared with renters with similar incomes who rent in the unsubsidized market. The President is also calling for a new Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, the first tax provision to build or renovate affordable homes for homeownership, which would lead to the construction or preservation of over 400,000 starter homes in communities throughout the country.
Innovation Fund for Housing Expansion. The President is unveiling a new $20 billion competitive grant fund as part of his Budget to support communities across the country to build more housing and lower rents and homebuying costs. This fund would support the construction of affordable multifamily rental units; incentivize local actions to remove unnecessary barriers to housing development; pilot innovative models to increase the production of affordable and workforce rental housing; and spur the construction of new starter homes for middle-class families. According to independent analysis, this will create hundreds of thousands of units which will help lower rents and housing costs.

Increasing Banks’ Contributions Towards Building Affordable Housing. The President is proposing that each Federal Home Loan Bank double its annual contribution to the Affordable Housing Program – from 10 percent of prior year net income to 20 percent – which will raise an additional $3.79 billion for affordable housing over the next decade and assist nearly 380,0000 households. These funds will support the financing, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental and for-sale homes, as well as help low- and moderate-income homeowners to purchase or rehabilitate homes.

Lowering Costs for Renters

President Biden is also taking actions to lower costs and promote housing stability for renters. The White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights lays out the key principles of a fair rental market and has already catalyzed new federal actions to make those principles a reality. Today, President Biden is announcing new steps to crack down on unfair practices that are driving up rental costs:

Fighting Rent Gouging by Corporate Landlords. The Biden-Harris Administration is taking action to combat egregious rent increases and other unfair practices that are driving up rents. Corporate landlords and private equity firms across the country have been accused of illegal information sharing, price fixing, and inflating rents. As part of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing announced by President Biden on Tuesday, the President is calling on federal agencies to root out and stop illegal corporate behavior that hikes prices on American families through anti-competitive, unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices. In a recent filing, the Department of Justice (DOJ) made clear its position that inflated rents caused by algorithmic use of sensitive nonpublic pricing and supply information violate antitrust laws. Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission and DOJ filed a joint brief further arguing that it is illegal for landlords and property managers to collude on pricing to inflate rents – including when using algorithms to do so.

Cracking Down on Rental Junk Fees. Millions of families incur burdensome costs in the rental application process and throughout the duration of their lease, from “convenience fees” simply to pay rent online to fees charged to sort mail or collect trash. These fees are often more than the actual cost of providing the service, or are added onto rents to cover services that renters assume are included—or that they don’t even want. Last fall, the FTC proposed a rule that if finalized as proposed would ban misleading and hidden fees across the economy, including in housing rental agreements. Last month, HUD released a summary of banned non-rent fees within their rental assistance programs. These actions build on voluntary commitments the President announced last summer from major rental housing platforms to provide customers with the total, upfront cost on rental properties on their platform.

Expanding Housing Choice Vouchers. Over the last three years, the Administration has secured rental assistance for more than 100,000 additional households. The President is calling on Congress to further expand rental assistance to more than half of a million households, including by providing a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care – the first such voucher guarantees in history. Receiving a voucher would save these households hundreds of dollars in rent each month.

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