Volume 6

February 2022

We offer a welcome to the newest members of the New Jersey Assembly. We look forward to building new relationships and working together to better all of New Jersey's residents. Congratulations to the newly appointed Senate President, Senator Nicholas Scutari, and Senate Majority Leader, Senator Teresa Ruiz. A special note for Assemblyman Craig Coughlin and his appointment as Assembly Speaker, which after this term will mark him as tied with former Assemblyman Jack Collins as the longest-serving Assembly Speaker in our state's history.

This past election brought about a few changes, including losing several democratic seats. While the Democrats still hold the majority in both Houses, our numbers have declined. We need to make sure that we, the legislators, are doing all that we can to represent the values that our voters hold dear. In addition to that, we must protect everyone's right to vote free of harassment and intimidation. With the passage of the 15th Amendment, the 19th Amendment, and the banning of "Jim Crow Laws", voting should be easy and free of obstacles. Still, it has become very clear that voter suppression and intimidation are not acts of the past but are very much alive. Protection of voting rights continues to be a priority in this next term along with healthcare and senior services, education, and food insecurities.

As we move forward into this next term, we will continue to not only listen to your voices but also take action to address the issues challenging our communities.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2020-2021 Legislation Review

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Legislative Session Summation

A2964 Requires all creditors that acquire title to non-owner-occupied residential property following foreclosure to notify Municipality and common interest community (Signed into Law 2/22/21)

A3392 Requires student representative be appointed to each board of education of school district and board of trustees of charter school that include grades nine through 12 (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

A3394 Requires civics instruction in middle school; authorizes New Jersey Center for Civic Education to provide curricula, Professional development, and technical assistance for middle and high school civics. Also known as “Laura Wooten’s Law” (Signed into Law 7/23/21)

A3641 Requires DLPS to incorporate implicit bias in cultural diversity training materials for law

enforcement officers; makes mandatory cultural diversity and implicit bias training for law enforcement officers. (Signed into Law 8/27/20)

A3970 Requires Medicaid and health insurance coverage for certain refills of prescription drugs during state of emergency. (Signed into Law 5/15/20)

A4312 Regulates use of body cameras worn by law enforcement officers. (Signed into Law 11/24/20)

A4475 Requires County boards of election to establish ballot drop boxes in each county at least 45 days before election: revises procedures concerning mail-in ballots for 2020 general

election (Signed into Law 8/28/20)

A4517 Requires the Civil Service Commission to establish and maintain a mentoring program for minority civil service law enforcement applicants (Signed into Law 9/28/21)

A4542 Requires Civil Services Commission to undertake various initiatives to increase diversity and inclusivity within law enforcement agencies (Signed into Law 9/28/21)

A4569 Requires BPU, electric power suppliers, and gas suppliers to publish certain information related to filing customer complaints. (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

A4598 Establishes database to aid in civil service hiring process for certain law enforcement officers; requires Statewide diversity analysis of law enforcement. (Signed into Law 9/28/21)

A4663 Establishes a two-year pilot program in the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) to assist with the reintegration of youths released from juvenile facilities and to help them avoid involvement with the youth justice system - during the current public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, also referred to as the COVID-19 pandemic, and potentially beyond (Signed into Law 8/11/21)

A4655 Limits police presence at polling places and ballot drop boxes; prohibits electioneering with 100 feet of ballot drop box (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

A5179 Revises certain restrictions on ownership of medical cannabis alternative treatment centers; expands scope of review of alternative treatment center permit applications and related materials (Signed into Law 10/18/21)

A5345 Expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program to allow taxpayers who are at least 18 years of age or older to qualify for modified benefit. The bill also removes the maximum age restriction of 65 years old (Signed into Law 9/29/21)

A5683 This bill would modify the Garden State Growth Zone (GSGZ) property tax exemption program. (Signed into Law 9/24/21)

A5769 Establishes Kean University as a public urban research university, a new designation within the category of public research universities. (Signed into Law 11/8/21)

A5897 Authorizes Capital City Redevelopment Corporation on behalf of State Treasurer to sell surplus real property and Improvements located in City of Trenton, County of Mercer (Signed into Law 7/2/21)

A6256 Appropriates $2 million to CRDA to support costs associated with hosting NAACP National Convention in Atlantic City (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli

Legislative Session Summation

A798 Establishes local drug overdose fatality review teams. (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

A2264 Requires provider of electronic communication service to preserve information reported to law enforcement related to endangerment of children for 180 days. (Signed into Law 1/9/22)

A3950 Makes employer use of certain tracking device or electronic communications device in vehicle operated by employee crime of fourth degree in civil violation in certain situations. (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

A4246 Permits expedited licensure in mental health professions for certain out-of-State individuals during state of emergency or public health emergency. (Signed into Law 5/12/21)

A4435 Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. (Signed into Law 12/21/21)

A5595 Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to publish retail price of certain opioid antidotes. (Signed into Law 7/2/21)

A5890 Concerns enforcement of employee misclassification and stop-work order laws. (Signed into Law 7/8/21)

A802 Requires certain retailers to train employees on gift card fraud. (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

S1726/A795 Prohibits sale of cosmetic products that have been tested on animals. (Signed into Law 11/8/21)

S4074/A6000 Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for

certain teacher certification. (Signed into Law 1/18/22)

Student Internship Program

Our office is very proud of the students who have participated in our Internship Program. Our internship program is unpaid and for student credit only. During their time they are given a project to work on independently; and students at the end of their time have to opportunity to present their project to the Assemblywoman. We found very early that many of the projects our student selected translated very well into new legislation or the expansion of education surrounding existing policies.

One the first students in the Internship Program, Casey Fortson helped write legislation that was recently signed in to law by Governor Murphy; Bill A3392 which "Requires student representative be appointed to each board of education of school district and board of trustees of charter school that include grades nine through 12."

Students in the Summer 2021 Program explored the lack of resources and education for Juvenile Sickle Cell and Juvenile Diabetes patients. With a possible need for legislation to direct detailed studies on the correct approach to both potentially life threatening diseases when proper treatment is not available. The subject of Juvenile Diabetes was again raised as a concern. For the 2022-23 Session the Assemblywoman will be focusing on additional health issues outside of maternal health and lowering infant mortality raising New Jersey by taking a look into the juvenile diabetes in our communities the resources needed to help address these issues.

If you are interested in learning more of the Internship program or for information on how to apply contact Jessica Dufort, coordinator of the Internship Program.

2022 Rutgers-Eagleton Washington

Internship Award

The Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 to outstanding Rutgers undergraduate students for summer internships in government/public service in Washington, DC. One of these awards, through the generous support of the Katherine K. Neuberger Legacy Fund at CAWP, is granted every year to a student with an interest in women’s political leadership. The monetary award is meant to ease the financial burden of working in Washington D.C. by offsetting living expenses. Rutgers undergraduates from all campuses and all majors are invited to apply by February 11, 2022. Even if you don't have an internship placement yet, be sure to apply for this opportunity! Learn more & apply.

NJ Socks for Homeless Day

February 14, 2022

Socks are one of the most requested items among the homeless population but are rarely donated and new socks are needed year round. Homelessness does not have the ability to launder and disinfect used socks.

Many homeless people walk several miles each day and spending considerable time on their feet causes socks to wear out quickly.
Only new socks can be donated. Men, Women and Children – all sizes needed
New socks are needed year-round most people wear their socks until they are worn with holes

Socks for Homeless Flyer

In recognition of this day Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson will kick off a month long campaign beginning February 14 until March 15, 2022. The Trenton Rescue Mission is the organization to benefit from your donations. We are asking for donations in a variety of sizes for men, women and children.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

This year, February is full of ways for you to Go Red and help raise awareness for women’s heart health.Share how you’re reclaiming your rhythm in February by posting social media to help raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of women.

#WearRedDay #WearRedandGive #HeartMonth

Go Red When You Shop

CVS Health and Big Lots! stores are raising funds and awareness during Heart Month:

CVS Pharmacies: Jan. 30 – March 5, 2022

Big Lots!: Feb. 1 – 20, 2022

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

Mercer County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The Mercer County Department of Human Services has received funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury to provide rental relief to landlords and tenants in our community through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE)

Universal Service Fund (USF)

FUNDING IS STILL AVAILABLE

Find out what emergency rental assistance covers, how it works, and who's eligible.

CFPB

Emergency Mortgage Assistance

New Jersey’s Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA)

The ERMA program will begin accepting applications on Tuesday February 8, 2022, at 9:00 AM ET.

New Jersey's Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program provides financial assistance for eligible homeowners who have experienced a significant decrease of income or increase of expenses due to COVID-19 and have been unable to remain current with their mortgage payments.

ONLINE APPLICATION

Applicants may receive up to $35,000 per household to cover:

Mortgage reinstatement assistance
Escrow shortages
Delinquent property taxes
Municipal or Tax liens
Up to four future mortgage payments, inclusive of principal, interest, taxes and
Homeowner’s insurance

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY

You can also email the ERMA team at HAFServicing@njhmfa.gov or call us at (855) 647-7700 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday.

City of Trenton Launches its First

Neighborhood Health Clinic

The City of Trenton has opened its first neighborhood health clinic to provide vaccines, check-ups, and other critical health services at 828 N. Olden Ave, Suite 2 in Trenton. The facility currently offers flu shots and COVID-19 testing, vaccines and boosters three to four days a week. Residents can look forward to the City’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offering general medical examinations and podiatry services, including for individuals at risk of diabetes. There are two ordinances under consideration by the City Council that will allow HHS finalize plans to offer mental health services and to hire a clinical psychologist and a mental health worker to run the new mental health and wellness program.

City of Trenton Vaccine Information T renton Area Vaccine Information & Sites

City of Trenton Community Garden

Adopt-A-Lot Program

Tyrell Smith shares his journey of the The South Ward Neighborhood Community Garden Project.

PHASE 1 - Adopt the Lot

Inquired with the city about a program for abandoned lots
Identified an abandoned lot in the South Ward 479 Lamberton Street
Filled out the application for Adopt-A-Lot

community garden 479 Lamberton Street - II.jpg

PHASE 2 - Cleaning the Lot

Created an cleaning initiative to get the community involved
Removed all trash at the lot
Grass was cut and removed, all over grown weeds removed
Repaired the downed gate
Dead tree branches were cut back

PHASE 3 - The Future

Building above ground garden boxes
Straw bales
Educating the community on gardening
Creating Organic Compost
Benches Sponsored by Community Partners
Art Mural

Looking to the Future....

This project like so many other Community Gardens is as only as successful as its volunteers. as time moves on the need for volunteers and partnerships within the neighborhood become vital. The Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association has partnered with ISLES and assisted with an internship program with Outdoor. Equity. Alliance (OEA). With these partnerships the goal is to encourage our neighbor to not only learn about urban farming but to put it into practice.

For more information on urban farming:

Capital City Farm

Urban Farming

ISLES

community graden 479 Lamberton Street.jpg

Black and Missing

"Missing women of color often get media coverage only when people notice how much attention everyone is paying to the white women." This statement is a sad fact that HBO's newest documentary series, Black and Missing highlights.

The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc based in Maryland and founded by two influential women of color who have dedicated themselves to the search for missing people of color. The documentary follows their story as they bring awareness to cases that are systematically ignored resulting often in tragedy.

This four part series originally aired, November 23, 2021 on HBO and can now be streamed on HBOMax.

Eric Deggans, journalist and long time TV Critic for NPR. You can read his full article at:

Full NPR Black and Full NPR Black and Missing Article Article

Black and Missing Foundation Inc.

If you have information you can contact the New Jersey Stat Police 609-882-2000, ext 2554 or email: missingp@njsp.org

New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit

4th Annual Advancing Justice Contest 2021

The Greater Trenton Chapter is looking for young adult writers and artists from High School and beyond who can use their creativity to lend a voice in advancing the cause to end the era of the New Jim Crow. The Arts are powerful in the truth telling of injustice and racial inequities. Express your support and creativity through original works: film, graphic arts, spoken and/or written word.

DEADLINE: February 18, 2022

Submission and Award Information

The College of New Jersey is partnering with Nuture NJ

In response to state's Black Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis TCNJ's School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science will begin offering a course for students aspiring to become doulas as soon as the Summer of 2022 training students on the NJ Family Care doula registration process.

“Community-based doulas provide non-medical and emotional support, ensuring that mothers’ needs are heard before, during, and after birth. Doula involvement has shown to improve birth outcomes for mothers and babies.”

For more information

Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership® Program - June 9-14, 2022

The NEW Leadership^® program is open to women at all higher education institutions in New Jersey interested in expanding their leadership skills and deepening their political engagement will find the NEW Leadership program helpful. This a non-partisan, six-day residential program that will take place at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Applications are due by February 28, 2022.

For more Information and to Apply

Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

The fourth week of January was Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week just in time for Income Tax season. With the growth of cybercrimes this is a good time to bring up this subject. There are different types of identity theft, such as financial identity theft, tax identity theft and medical identity theft. According to the IRS, tax-related identity theft is one of the most common tax scams. Tax Id theft is when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.

IRS Guide to Identity Theft

Books and Beyond Virtual Book Club Returns

The day may have changed but it doesn't make the conversations any less entertaining than last year's weekly meet up. Meetings will be held every fourth Wednesday at 7pm.

To Register

The scholarship is available for college, university or vocational/technical college.

The deadline for applying is Friday, March 19, 2022 at 5PM

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2022 Commemorative Commission Scholarship Essay Contest

The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission is delighted to announce the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission Scholarship Essay Contest offering ten $5000 scholarships to New Jersey residents who are currently enrolled in grade 12.

In keeping with this year’s commemorative theme The Fierce Urgency of Now, applicants are asked to respond to questions designed to explore the importance of Dr. King’s teachings in their lives and communities.

Click here for more information