a SMART city honors our Black History

Dear Jazz,

As we observe Black History Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the strides we are making in Plainfield toward a future that is not only technologically advanced but also equitable and inclusive. Our smart city initiative is a testament to this vision, aiming to reshape urban living for all its residents, especially our Black communities, who have historically been marginalized. By laying fiber across the city to ensure free WiFi access in public gathering spaces and implementing blanket camera coverage to increase public safety, we are setting the stage for a transformative era in urban development.

The essence of our smart city initiative is rooted in the belief that technology can and should be a force for good—a tool for fostering community, enhancing safety, and ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are accessible to everyone. The deployment of free WiFi in public spaces is more than an infrastructural upgrade; it's a commitment to democratizing access to information, bridging the digital divide that has long separated our communities. This initiative is particularly significant for our Black and brown residents, offering educational, economic, and social opportunities that have been historically out of reach for many.

The integration of smart AI technology and comprehensive camera coverage across the city is another cornerstone of our approach to enhancing public safety. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to cut crime and ensure that our streets are safe for every member of our community. However, we are acutely aware of the concerns surrounding privacy and surveillance, especially in Black communities that have often been disproportionately monitored and policed. Therefore, our commitment extends to implementing these technologies responsibly, with strict oversight, to ensure they serve as tools for protection, not intrusion.

This smart city initiative is not just about infrastructure and technology; it's about building a future that honors the legacy and aspirations of our Black ancestors and our communities. It's about creating spaces where technology uplifts and empowers rather than excludes and surveils. As we lay fiber and install cameras, we are also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Plainfield. We are committed to ensuring that these technological advancements are implemented with a deep sense of responsibility toward our community's history, needs, and aspirations.

As mayor, my vision for Plainfield is that of a smart city that not only leads in technology but also justice, equity, and inclusivity. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember that our smart city initiative is a step toward a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. It is a promise to our Black communities that their future is bright, connected, and safe. Our journey towards becoming a smart city is not just about embracing the future; it's about rectifying the inequalities of the past and building a future that all of us can be proud of. This is our commitment to Plainfield, and it is how we honor the spirit of Black History Month, not just in February but in the years to come.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

una ciudad INTELIGENTE honra nuestra

historia Afro-americana

Querido(a) Jazz,

Mientras observamos el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, es un momento oportuno para reflexionar sobre los avances que estamos logrando en Plainfield hacia un futuro que no solo sea tecnológicamente avanzado sino también equitativo e inclusivo. Nuestra iniciativa de ciudad inteligente es un testimonio de esta visión, cuyo objetivo es remodelar la vida urbana para todos sus residentes, especialmente nuestras comunidades negras, que históricamente han sido marginadas. Al instalar fibra en toda la ciudad para garantizar el acceso gratuito a WiFi en los espacios de reunión públicos e implementar una cobertura general de cámaras para aumentar la seguridad pública, estamos preparando el escenario para una era transformadora en el desarrollo urbano.

La esencia de nuestra iniciativa de ciudad inteligente se basa en la creencia de que la tecnología puede y debe ser una fuerza para el bien: una herramienta para fomentar la comunidad, mejorar la seguridad y garantizar que los beneficios de los avances tecnológicos sean accesibles para todos. El despliegue de WiFi gratuito en espacios públicos es más que una mejora de la infraestructura; es un compromiso para democratizar el acceso a la información, reduciendo la brecha digital que durante mucho tiempo ha separado a nuestras comunidades. Esta iniciativa es particularmente importante para nuestros residentes negros y morenos, ya que ofrece oportunidades educativas, económicas y sociales que históricamente han estado fuera del alcance de muchos.

La integración de tecnología de inteligencia artificial inteligente y una cobertura integral de cámaras en toda la ciudad es otra piedra angular de nuestro enfoque para mejorar la seguridad pública. Al aprovechar estas tecnologías, nuestro objetivo es reducir el crimen y garantizar que nuestras calles sean seguras para todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad. Sin embargo, somos muy conscientes de las preocupaciones que rodean la privacidad y la vigilancia, especialmente en las comunidades negras que a menudo han sido monitoreadas y vigiladas de manera desproporcionada. Por lo tanto, nuestro compromiso se extiende a implementar estas tecnologías de manera responsable, con una supervisión estricta, para garantizar que sirvan como herramientas de protección, no de intrusión.

Esta iniciativa de ciudad inteligente no se trata sólo de infraestructura y tecnología; se trata de construir un futuro que honre el legado y las aspiraciones de nuestros ancestros negros y nuestras comunidades. Se trata de crear espacios donde la tecnología eleva y empodera en lugar de excluir y vigilar. A medida que colocamos fibra e instalamos cámaras, también estamos sentando las bases para un Plainfield más inclusivo y equitativo. Estamos comprometidos a garantizar que estos avances tecnológicos se implementen con un profundo sentido de responsabilidad hacia la historia, las necesidades y las aspiraciones de nuestra comunidad.

Como alcalde, mi visión para Plainfield es la de una ciudad inteligente que no solo sea líder en tecnología sino también en justicia, equidad e inclusión. Mientras celebramos el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, recordemos que nuestra iniciativa de ciudad inteligente es un paso hacia un futuro en el que cada residente tenga la oportunidad de prosperar. Es una promesa para nuestras comunidades negras de que su futuro será brillante, conectado y seguro. Nuestro camino para convertirnos en una ciudad inteligente no se trata sólo de abrazar el futuro; se trata de rectificar las desigualdades del pasado y construir un futuro del que todos podamos estar orgullosos. Este es nuestro compromiso con Plainfield y es la forma en que honramos el espíritu del Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, no sólo en febrero sino en los años venideros.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

Entrepreneurial Essentials Workshop Series Presents:

WRITING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN - February 20, 2024

On Tuesday February 22,2024, the Department of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC), convened the second installment of the Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop Series: “How to Write Your Business Plan” at the Plainfield Public Library. The event aimed to furnish both established and prospective business proprietors with comprehensive insights, tools, and resources requisite for crafting proficient business plans. This initiative held particular significance given the prevalent tendency among small business owners to commence operations without adequate planning.

However, empirical research underscores the pivotal role of a meticulously prepared business plan in enhancing the likelihood of sustained viability and expansion for enterprises. Indeed, adherence to the adage, “those who fail to plan are planning to fail”, resonated throughout the proceedings.

Distinguished presenters, namely Drue Doman from the City of Plainfield – Economic Development, and Dr. Jairo Borja from UCEDC, were entrusted with elucidating these principles to the cohort of 21 enthusiastic entrepreneurs assembled for the workshop. Through a meticulously crafted PowerPoint presentation and the provision of professional business plan templates, attendees were afforded the opportunity to commence the drafting process during the session.

The event concluded promptly at 8:00 PM, with participants encouraged to register promptly for the forthcoming installment of the Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop Series, titled “Understanding Financial Statements”.

This subsequent session is scheduled to convene at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 12th. REGISTER HERE

The Entrepreneurship Essentials Workshop Series continues to serve as a catalyst for fostering entrepreneurial acumen within the local business community. Each iteration of the series imbues participants with renewed zeal and fortified resolve, propelling them closer to the realization of their entrepreneurial aspirations.

CLICK FOR MORE!

Party Affiliation Deadline for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election is April 10th

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 10th to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 4th.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 4, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 10.”

Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a new law that went into effect in 2023 and was updated in 2024:

Any unaffiliated voter, who has opted to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 4 primary election, must declare their party by May 28, 2024, to receive their vote-by-mail ballot through the mail.

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation. Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.
To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters to ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 4 primary.

The April 10th deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from May 29th through June 2nd, or on June 4th, Election Day.

Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123. The secure ballot drop box for the Westfield Annual School Board Election is located at the Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, and will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in ballot by using the drop-box.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit www.ucnj.org/uc b o e or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.

Treasury Begins Mailing Applications for 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Program

Major Boost to Income Eligibility Limit Means More Residents Will be Eligible This Year

TRENTON - The Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation on Monday began mailing applications for the 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement program, which has been significantly expanded for the 2023 filing season to increase the income eligibility

limit substantially and simplify the residency requirement for new applicants.

Senior Freeze reimburses qualifying seniors and disabled residents for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residences.

A new law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Phil Murphy, which was also part of the Governor’s FY23 budget proposal, expanded the program to increase the income limit for the program to $150,000 (previously $99,735 for the 2022 season), and eliminate the requirement that an applicant must be a New Jersey resident for 10 consecutive years.

The deadline to file 2023 applications is October 31, 2024.

“With Senior Freeze, senior and disabled residents can choose to stay in the communities they call home without worrying about annual property tax increases,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “This program makes it easier for many seniors living on a fixed income to remain close to their families and friends, and continue enjoying all the Garden State has to offer. We are pleased to be expanding the eligibility criteria this season to offer this benefit to more New Jerseyans.”

The Senior Freeze program is designed to relieve the burden of increasing property taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility, and “freezing” the property tax at that level by comparing that base with any subsequent year. The difference is then refunded by the State annually.

In order to qualify for the reimbursement, taxpayers must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the current application year. Eligibility must be continuous, otherwise a new base year must be established.

To be eligible for the 2023 Senior Freeze, a taxpayer must:

Be age 65 or older on December 31, 2022, or receive Social Security disability payments on December 31, 2022, and also on December 31, 2023; and
Own and live in their home or leased a site in a mobile home park for a manufactured or mobile home that they owned since December 31, 2019, or earlier; and
Paid all 2022 property taxes by June 1, 2023, and all 2023 property taxes by June 1, 2024; and
Their annual income was $150,000 or less in 2022 and $163,050 or less in 2023. With some exceptions, all income must be taken into account, including Social Security, pension, etc.

Applications for the current 2023 Senior Freeze program will be mailed to the last address from which taxpayers filed. Anyone who does not receive a booklet by March 15 should contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation's Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Information Line for assistance at 1-800-882-6597 (The U.S. Postal Service does not forward application booklets).

Additionally, qualifying residents have the option to apply online through a new direct online filing service created by the Treasury in 2023. Applicants can access the online filing portal at njportal.com/taxation/ptr.

Treasurer Muoio also encourages residents to learn more about the many other New Jersey property tax relief programs available.

Statement from President Joe Biden on Today’s Deadly Gun Violence

02/21/2024

Washington, D.C. - Today, President Biden announced the approval of $1.2 billion in student debt cancellation for almost 153,000 borrowers currently enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan. The Biden-Harris Administration has now approved nearly $138 billion in student debt cancellation for almost 3.9 million borrowers through more than two dozen executive actions. The borrowers receiving relief are the first to benefit from a SAVE plan policy that provides debt forgiveness to borrowers who have been in repayment after as little as 10 years and took out $12,000 or less in student loans. Originally planned for July, the Biden-Harris Administration implemented this provision of SAVE and is providing relief to borrowers nearly six months ahead of schedule.

From Day One of his Administration, President Biden vowed to fix the student loan system and make sure higher education is a pathway to the middle class – not a barrier to opportunity. Already, the President has canceled more student debt than any President in history – delivering life-changing relief to students and families – and has created the most affordable student loan repayment plan ever: the SAVE plan. While Republicans in Congress and their allies try to block President Biden every step of the way, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers and is leaving no stone unturned in the fight to give more borrowers breathing room on their student loans.

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s SAVE plan, starting today, the Administration will be canceling debt for borrowers who are enrolled in the SAVE plan, have been in repayment for at least 10 years, and took out $12,000 or less in loans for college.

For every additional $1,000 a borrower initially borrowed, they will receive relief after an additional year of payments. For example, a borrower enrolled in SAVE who took out $14,000 or less in federal loans to earn an associate’s degree in biotechnology would receive full debt relief starting this week if they have been in repayment for 12 years. The U.S. Department of Education (Department) identified nearly 153,000 borrowers who are enrolled in SAVE plan who will have their debt cancelled starting this week, and those borrowers will receive an email today from President Biden informing them of their imminent relief. Next week, the Department of Education will also be reaching out directly to borrowers who are eligible for early relief but not currently enrolled in the SAVE Plan to encourage them to enroll as soon as possible.

This shortened time to forgiveness will particularly help community college and other borrowers with smaller loans and put many on track to being free of student debt faster than ever before. Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s SAVE plan, 85 percent of future community college borrowers will be debt-free within 10 years. The Department will continue to regularly identify and discharge other borrowers eligible for relief under this provision on SAVE.

Over four million borrowers have a $0 monthly payment under the SAVE Plan

Last year, President Biden launched the SAVE plan – the most affordable repayment plan ever. Under the SAVE plan, monthly payments are based on a borrower’s income and family size, not their loan balance. The SAVE plan ensures that if borrowers are making their monthly payments, their balances cannot grow because of unpaid interest. And, starting in July, undergraduate loan payments will be cut in half, capping a borrower’s loan payment at 5% of their discretionary income. Already, 7.5 million borrowers are enrolled in the SAVE Plan, and 4.3 million borrowers have a $0 monthly payment.

Today, the White House Council of Economic Advisers released an issue brief highlighting how low and middle-income borrowers enrolled in SAVE could see significant saving in terms of interest saved over time and principal forgiven as a result of SAVE’s early forgiveness provisions.

President Biden’s Administration has approved student debt relief for nearly 3.9 million Americans through various actions

Today’s announcement builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s track record of taking historic action to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved debt cancellation for nearly 3.9 million Americans, totaling almost $138 billion in debt relief through various actions. This relief has given borrowers critical breathing room in their daily lives, allowing them to afford other expenses, buy homes, start businesses, or pursue dreams they had to put on hold because of the burden of student loan debt. President Biden remains committed to providing debt relief to as many borrowers as possible, and won’t stop fighting to deliver relief to more Americans.

The Biden-Harris Administration has also taken historic steps to improve the student loan program and make higher education more affordable for more Americans, including:

Achieving the largest increases in Pell Grants in over a decade to help families who earn less than $60,000 a year achieve their higher-education goals.
Fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program so that borrowers who go into public service get the debt relief they’re entitled to under the law. Before President Biden took office, only 7,000 people ever received debt relief through PSLF. After fixing the program, the Biden-Harris Administration has now canceled student loan debt for nearly 800,000 public service workers.
Canceling student loan debt for more than 930,000 borrowers who have been in repayment for over 20 years but never got the relief they earned because of administrative failures with Income-Driven Repayment Plans.
Pursuing an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the Administration’s original debt relief plan. Last week, the Department of Education released proposed regulatory text to cancel student debt for borrowers who are experiencing hardship paying back their student loans, and late last year released proposals to cancel student debt for borrowers who: owe more than they borrowed, first entered repayment 20 or 25 years ago, attended low quality programs, and who would be eligible for loan forgiveness through income-driven repayment programs like SAVE but have not applied.
Holding colleges accountable for leaving students with unaffordable debts.

It’s easy to enroll in SAVE. Borrowers should go to studentaid.gov/save to start saving.

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