I’m getting calls from folks worried by misinformation the NJ GOP put out claiming Warren & Hunterdon Counties aren't getting COVID relief. In fact, the small business loans, $1200 payments, enhanced unemployment, grants to hospitals & first responders, are going to all counties.
The CARES Act also added $ for Community Development Block Grants, which, by law, provide housing assistance to cities and urban counties. Hunterdon and Warren have never qualified for direct aid under this program, but can get it passed through the state, which I'm pushing for.
House Democrats also got $150 billion in the CARES Act for state & local gov'ts. Senate Republicans insisted this money only go to municipalities w/more than 500k people. I've sponsored a bill to lower that threshold, precisely to help our rural counties.
Our immediate challenge is to ensure New Jerseyans can swiftly benefit from the aid we've made available. My office is ready to help anyone from Phillipsburg to Mt. Olive to Flemington to Westfield get the relief they need.
Meanwhile: People are worried enough about the coronavirus. The last thing we need in a public health crisis is politicians spreading false information for partisan gain. Shame on those who are doing that.
