Volume 5 | November 2021

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The Fighting Fifteenth


I want to offer my congratulations to my fellow legislators; we have worked hard together to represent the constituents in our District. I hope we will continue to for many years to come. And to the voters who have supported us, we offer our gratitude in your belief that we can make a difference. Without you, we could not be where we are. We ask that you continue to give your input and voice your opinions, this give us the information and push to make sure your needs are met.




2021 Mercer County General Election Results - Click Here


Congressional Redistricting Information - Click Here

2020-2021 Session

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson


Priority 2021-2022 Session


A829

Eliminates past conviction of indictable offense as disqualifier for jury service.

 

A3397

Requires cosmetology and hairstyling licensees to complete domestic violence sensitivity and response training.

 

A465

Limits police presence at polling places and ballot drop boxes; prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of ballot drop box.

 

A301

Requires access to law enforcement disciplinary records as government records; requires such records to be retained for certain period of time.

 

A5687

Establishes Crisis Response Support Program to make mental health services available to police departments respond responding to certain emergencies; appropriates $2,000,000.

 

A5728

Concerns body worn cameras for law enforce-ment officers.

 

A5866

Creates "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" in Department of State for funding efforts to achieve full count of State's population each federal decennial census.

Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli


Priority 2020-2021 Session


A798

Establishes local drug overdose facility review teams in each county in State.


A802

Requires certain retailers to train employees on gift card fraud.


A3950

Makes employers use of certain tracking devices or electronic communications devices in vehicle operated by employee crime of fourth degree in civil violation certain situations.





City of Trenton New Land Development Ordinance

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Draft Ordinance and Map Now Available!

Trenton’s new Draft Land Development Ordinance (LDO), and Draft Zoning Map are now available for public review. The LDO will be a key tool for implementing many of the policies contained in the Trenton 250 Comprehensive Master Plan.



Click here to view the Public Review Draft LDO


Click here to view the Public Review Draft Zoning Map


The City of Trenton will be accepting public comments on the Draft Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and Draft Zoning Map


If you would like to submit a comment, please use the comment form available by clicking here.

 

Presentation of the Draft LDO to the Trenton Historic Development Collaborative will happen at a November 16th Virtual Meeting at 6pm. This is a Public Meeting, if you are interested in attending


+ GOOGLE CALENDAR   + ICAL EXPORT

Covid-19 Updates

Effective Immediately

In a November 3, 2021 Press Release from the New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner, Judith Persichelli, she reported that New Jersey children 5 through 11 years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Youth ages 12-17 also are eligible and encouraged to receive Covid-19 vaccines.

To read the full Press Release follow the link below....

Press Release

Vaccines


BOOSTER SHOTS through the Trenton Health Team for those who previously received Covid-19 vaccines are available at no cost for eligible adults at any site providing COVID-19 vaccines. If you received a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago or if you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago, you are likely eligible for a booster today.

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Eligibility is defined broadly and varies by vaccine. To find out if you are eligible for a booster follow this link. Learn more here


No insurance, ID, citizenship status, or appointment required.


Weekly FREE Covid-19 Vaccines & Booster Shots

P: Pfizer, age 12+ (two shots), M: Moderna, age 18+ (two shots), J&J: Johnson & Johnson, 18+ (one shot)


In each Trenton Ward FREE COVID vaccines will be available six days a week at scheduled times. For those unable to leave home, the City of Trenton has a Homebound Vaccination Program call (609) 815 -2556 or email amthomas@trentonnj.org for information.


For information on vaccine locations and times follow the link below.

Vaccine Locations

2021 Toys for Tots Campaign

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In order for any child to receive a toy through Toys for Tots you must register in advance, either directly through the website or at any of the local agencies in your area. The list of approved agencies is available on the website.

Visit Toys for Tots Website

Be Cautious of Medicare Scams

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Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, there have been a number of scams, but those targeting our Seniors is especially disturbing.


  1. Claims to be from Medicare and need to update your records.
  2. Claims to be from Medicare or some other official sounding organization to provide genetic testing kits to find out if you are at risk for certain diseases.
  3. Offering free durable medical equipment if you qualify
  4. Caller Id labels the caller as Medicare but it is a phantom call


For more information....

Notary Public Applications

Notary applications for new applicants or those in new of renewal can be completed online. Now you will be able to chose either Assembly member, as well as Senator Turner as your designated legislator and they will be able to endorse your application electronically.

Notary Application

Senior Freeze Update

Senior Freeze info line: 1-800-882-6597 to check the status of a filed application, order an application, and ask questions.


Automated info line: 1-800-323-4400 to listen to prerecorded information.


Online: Senior Freeze - NJ Department of Taxation


CLICK for email for general information.


Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or those with a speech disability, visit njrelay.com or call 711.


Fair Lawn, Galloway and Trenton Regional Centers are open by appointment only. All other offices are closed. Visitors must follow Guidelines.  

Department of Labor

INFORMATION FOR JOBSEEKERS: 

One-Stop Career Centers, which have served residents virtually throughout the pandemic, have added appointment-based in-person services. Visit CareerServices.nj.gov to learn more about available resources and trainings and to request an appointment to get you started on your next career opportunity. No unemployment claims assistance is available at the One-Stops, and no one will be permitted inside without a scheduled appointment. 


DID YOU RECENTLY RECEIVE A LETTER AND CONTRACTOR QUESTIONNAIRE?

Employer Accounts division is reaching out to ensure workers are getting all compensation they are due. Click here to learn more.


FEDERAL EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXPIRED ON SEPTEMBER 4th

Please note that you will still be able to receive benefits for weeks prior to September 4, if you are found eligible for a claim filed before September 4, 2021. Any funds that appear as remaining in your unemployment account related to these federal programs will not be available for certification or payment for weeks of unemployment ending after September 4, 2021.


Learn more about state extended unemployment benefits here.


BPU - Utility Payment Assistance Programs


Are you struggling to pay your utility bills? Many New Jersey households are newly eligible for financial assistance programs from the State of New Jersey. Apply for #UtilityHelpNow using the @NJDCA screening tool: www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid

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If you’re behind on your utility bills, your service may be disconnected after December 31. Contact your utility ASAP to enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement to lower your monthly payment and keep your service on.

Get #UtilityHelpNow at https://www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/

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Desconexión de servicios de utilidades están suspendidos hasta diciembre 31. Si necesita ayuda para pagar su factura de electricidad o gas, llame a su compañía de utilidades lo más pronto posible y pida información sobre programas de asistencia y planes de pago.

Si tiene una deuda atrasada y no puede alcanzar un arreglo de pago justo con su compañía de servicios públicos, llame al NJBPU al 800-624-0241 y solicite los programas de asistencia.


Sus servicios de energía pueden ser desconectados a partir de diciembre 31, 2021. Aplique para los programas de energía de Nueva Jersey hoy. #UtilityHelpNow


Board of Public Utilities

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New Jersey Now Offers Expanded Assistance Programs That Can Help

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LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP or HEA is a federally funded program that helps low-moderate income households pay for heating costs (all fuel types). Even if your heat is included in your rent, you may qualify. LIHEAP grants are also available for medically necessary cooling costs. Applications are accepted from October 1 through June 30 each year. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs.


UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF)

USF is a program that provides monthly credits on residential electric and natural gas bills as well as forgiveness of overdue balances through the USF-Fresh Start program. Monthly USF credit amounts are based on energy costs in relation to income. USF is administered by the Department of Community Affairs. Fresh Start is administered by the gas and electric companies. USF is made possible by the Board of Public Utilities.


PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR GAS AND ELECTRIC (PAGE)

PAGE grants help gas and electric customers prevent disconnection of service or restore service. If income eligible for USF or LIHEAP, apply for those programs first before seeking additional assistance through PAGE. To apply online or review eligibility requirements, visit:

www.njpoweron.org or call 732-982-8710. Administered by the Affordable Housing Alliance and made possible by the NJ Department of Treasury and the NJ Board of Public Utilities.


LIFELINE PROGRAM

The Lifeline Utility Assistance Program is for eligible low-income senior citizens and the disabled.

Lifeline benefits help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and natural gas costs. Apply

online with the NJSave application at: www.aging.nj.gov or call 1-800-792-9745. Administered by the Department of Human Services and made possible by the Board of Public Utilities.


NJ 2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 any day, any time for confidential referrals to local health and human service assistance services or search NJ 2-1-1’s on-line database at: www.nj211.org. Funded by the United Ways of NJ in partnership with the State of New Jersey.


INCOME ELIGIBILITY

Monthly Pre-tax Income Limits

10/01/2021 - 09/30/2022


HOUSEHOLD SIZE

USF Program

LIHEAP Program

1

$4,293

$3,348

2

$5,807

$4,379

3

$7,320

$5,409

4

$8,833

$6,439

5

$10,347

$7,470

6

$11,860

$8,500

7

$13,373

$8,693

8

$14,887

$8,886

9

$16,400

$9,080

10

$17,913

$9,273

11

$19,427

$9,466

12

$20,940

$9,659

If more than 12 add:

$1,513 for each person

$193 for each person

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2022

First Person

Each Additional Person

$12,880

$4,540

Upcoming Events

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Financial Aid 101

FAFSA Application, Aid Assistance,

Attendance & Needs Analysis

November 18, 2021 7- 8pm

To Register CLICK HERE



This session will provide families with information on all the Federal and State grants, scholarships and loan programs available through the FAFSA. Information and requirements on filing the FAFSA will also be covered.




NOTE: Anyone currently responsible for paying back Government backed student loans, Covid based forbearance ends January 2022. There have been changes please take time to review your loan and programs available to assist with repayment.

Freedom Skate Park

November 21 - February 2022

Roebling Wireworks Building

675 S. Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611

Open Skate 12-6pm


The second session of the Trenton Winter Skateboarding Program will host weekly open skate sessions. Everyone who skates must sign a waiver. CLICK HERE


For more information....

Ellarslie Museum

Opening weekend, November 19-21, 2021

Friday, 12-4pm and Sunday, 1-4pm

Painting the Moon and Beyond

Cadwalader Park, Trenton, NJ 08618

Phone: 609-989-1191

EMAIL

The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie welcomes you to the opening weekend of Painting the Moon and Beyond: Lois Dodd and Friends Explore the Night Sky. The museum will be closed 11/20 in preparation for the exhibition's Special Reception for members, artists, and guests.


Masks required.

Reservation - Time Slot

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Trenton Police Department Explorer Program

Open House, November 20, 2021, 1pm

Trenton Police Department

225 North Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ


Exploring is a nationally recognized career education program chartered through Learning for Life for young men and women who are 18 to 20 and youth program 14 to 17 (and have completed the eighth grade).


Program Open House will be held on November 20th at 1pm. Parent/Guardian and Child must be in attendance. Completed applications can submitted at the Open House or emailed to Detective Tamika N. Veal at tveal@trentonpolice.net. The application deadline is December 3, 2021.


Youth Application

Young Adult Application

Books and Beyond

Virtual Book Club

November 23, 2021, 7pm

RSVP to receive Zoom link


Click here to RSVP


Join Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson for her monthly book club discussion hosted via Zoom every fourth Tuesday of the month.

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Mill Hill Holiday House and Window Tour

December 4, 2021 12-5pm

Tour starts at Artworks Building


The House Tour started 55 years ago and is Mill Hill's signature event and a Trenton tradition. As a result of the pandemic, the Tour will be a little different this year, focusing on the outdoors. Approximately 20 homes in the neighborhood will display special decorations through their front windows and/or on their exteriors, with some of the homeowners hosting visitors with holiday music, refreshments, and insightful conversation on their stoops and sidewalks.


For Tour and Ticket Information

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20th Annual Communities of Light™ 

December 6, 2021


Each year, more than 200 volunteers sell, distribute and display the luminary kits. At dusk on the day of the event, hundreds of people, scores of organizations and community groups, and the municipalities within Mercer County light thousand of their candles. Each luminary kit costs $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. Kits will be available for purchase this fall at various retail locations throughout Mercer County.

For more information....

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Mercer County Clerk's Office

December 7-18, 2021


Free - Veteran ID Cards

209 S. Broad Street

Trenton, NJ 08650

For appointments: 609-278-7108

EMAIL



Mercer County Clerk’s Office offers FREE Veteran ID cards four times a year to honor holidays and our U.S. soldiers: the week of Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day. Veterans ID cards will be free of charge in honor of Pearl Harbor Day. If for any reason you are not able to make it during any of these periods set forth above, the cost for a Vet ID is only $10, and the card is valid for 10 years. 


The ID department also issues Gold Star IDs, offered to Gold Star Parents who have lost a son or daughter in military combat. This ID designates the parent status and provides free access to New Jersey state parks, forests and beaches, and to the New Jersey State Museum. 


Information for County ID's

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Trooper Youth Week 2022

Police-Oriented Educational Program

2022 - TBA


Trooper Youth Week is a residential youth education program developed by the New Jersey State Police. This program presents simulated law enforcement programs for male and female students who have completed their junior year and are entering their senior year of High School. Applications will be available starting in January 2022.

For more information....

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Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson at the FEMA Recovery Center in Ewing Township

Hurricane Ida

Storm Ida hit the 15th District area hard. Most of the area suffered from record high flooding and high wind damage. When the rain stopped we then had to worry about high tide from the Delaware River.

Before the storm waters receded New Jersey was declared a Disaster Area and qualified for FEMA Assistance.


FEMA immediately set up six Recovery Centers in the State and two of sites were in the 15th District. New Jersey is still considered an Active Disaster (#4614)


If you still need assistance resulting from Ida, the site is still open to apply. FEMA Assistance


If you have already applied and want to know what happens next go to What's Next

October 28, 2021 - Truck or Treating with our Members


Carpenter and Civil Engineer

October 28, 2021 - Trunk or Treat with Trenton Police Department and The Latino Merchants Association of New Jersey

October 4, 2021 - SOULS TO THE POLLS The Fighting Fifteen with legendary James E. Clyburn, U.S. Representative from the 6th Congressional District of S. Carolina and House Majority Whip.

November 2, 2021 - Visiting Hunterdon Valley and the Trenton Democratic Campaign Offices

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September 17, 2021 - MVC Mobile Van 46 residents were assisted with ID and license issues.

October 23, 2021 - 2nd Annual March to the Box

September 18, 2021 - NJNAACP Legislator of the Year Award


October 14, 2021 - Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance 2021 Volunteer of the Year - Hopewell Valley YMCA CEO, Douglas C. Pszczolkowski

September 6, 2021 - With members of AFSMCE at SERV Behavioral Health in Ewing Twp

October 23, 2021 - Assemblyman Verrelli and Senator Turner at the Gun Buy Back in City of Trenton sponsored by New Jersey State Attorney General

Coming Soon - Dates TBA


Fathers and Men United UnSung Heroes Cabaret

S.E.E.D. Male Mentoring MLK Event

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Epsilon Upsilon Virtual Breakfast - January 2022

40th Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast

 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Founders Day Luncheon

 39th Annual Gentleman Ball Applications

 New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr Commemorative Commission Program

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Trenton Alumnae Chapter Black History Month Program

Contact Your Legislators

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Senator Shirley K. Turner

1230 Parkway Ave #103

Ewing Twp, NJ 08628

senturner@njleg.org

609-323-7239 

 www.senatorturner.com

 

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Assemblywoman

Verlina Reynolds Jackson

144 W. State Street

Trenton, NJ 08608

AswReynoldsJackson@njleg.org

609-292-0500

@FriendsofVerlina

 

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Assemblyman

Anthony S. Verrelli

144 W. State Street

Trenton, NJ 08608

AsmVerrelli@njleg.org

609-571-9638

@asmverrelli