LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, April 9
By:
‘People’s budget’ proposed for NJ
To the editor:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt wisely said that societies will be judged by the way they treat their poor, elderly and disabled.
The Anti-Poverty Network applauds Gov. McGreevey for including several dozen items in his proposed budget that would alleviate the condition of our most vulnerable citizens. However, we believe that funding for new and expanded efforts are needed and long overdue.
At 10 forums conducted throughout the state, the APN heard testimony from people struggling against poverty, as well as service providers and public officials, over 1,100 participants in all. Most of those we heard from are the working poor. They earn $15,000 to $35,000, often from two jobs, working hard in a variety of occupations providing the services on which we all rely. They need decent housing, health care and child care. Others, whose hardship is even more severe, cannot work and need safety-net support to obtain necessities.
Providing they are funded by additions to the budget, here’s what the "People’s Budget" proposes:
1. Housing: An additional $80 million to provide a new state rental-assistance program with an initial appropriation of $50 million, to fund 8,000 rental-assistance vouchers; $15 million more for the Balanced Housing Program to target rental housing for very low-income households; and $15 million allocated to promote the state’s Section 8 home-ownership programs.
2. Health Care: An additional $100 million for an expansion of FamilyCare to cover parents and other adults who are uninsured and whose incomes are less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($30,520 for a family of three).
3. Safety Net: An additional $100 million as an initial step to lift Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ($424 for a family of three) and General Assistance above the monthly amounts that have remained unchanged since 1987 and to increase the state supplement to the federal SSI for people who are disabled, blind or elderly, which has not been increased in more than a decade.
4. Child Care: An additional $50 million to assist families making less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, providing an additional 8,000 slots as the first of three annual steps to eliminate the existing waiting list and fill the need.
5. Child Welfare: Full funding for the $125 million initiative proposed by the governor to reform the Division of Youth and Family Services.
It is unfair to expect people to work without providing opportunity for basic housing, child care and health care. It is inexcusable to neglect those who cannot work. The "People’s Budget" would provide a major step forward in responding to these needs.
In the context of a $26 billion budget, this proposal is a modest one. To do less is to neglect our future as well as those who are now economically disadvantaged. If we have the will to do it, it will be done. Please call or write your legislator and support this measure.
Dan Lundy
Chairman, Community Building Committee
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton
Trenton
Thanks bloom with spring
To the editor:
Now that spring has arrived, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who kept the town services going during a long, cold, snowy winter.
Geraldine Boone
Greenhouse Drive
Princeton
Johnson represents best mix of qualities
To the editor:
As I look down the road at the challenges facing the West Windsor Plainsboro Regional School District, I am concerned about the following:
1) maintaining high educational standards and achievement with a growing student population;
2) prudent budgets that target instruction over administration; and
3) high-quality facilities that not only enhance the educational experience but are an asset to the community.
Of the candidates up for election to the Board of Education on April 20, Bob Johnson represents the best mix of qualities necessary to satisfy my concerns. Specifically, Mr. Johnson possesses a master’s in education combined with 25 years of public service as a U.S. marshal. He has brought his expertise to bear on the district’s issues as an active school volunteer. With a daughter at Village Middle School, he also has a personal interest in ensuring that educational excellence continues.
I’m very pleased and thankful that talented people like Mr. Johnson give so much to the important task of educating our children.
Kirk Loury
Brians Way
West Windsor
Johnson backed for WW-P board
To the editor:
I am writing in support of West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education candidate Bob Johnson. Bob has been a neighbor and good friend of mine for the past 12 years. He comes from a family background of school teachers and school administration. His career in the Federal Marshal service gives him various work experiences and keeps him sharp and organized. He must always be aware of his surroundings.
Bob has no outside or hidden agenda that would compromise his integrity. Having a daughter, nephew and niece in the school district, Bob has a passion to facilitate teamwork and community spirit while working hard as a children’s advocate.
A recent fire that badly damaged his home proved to me that Bob can work through hardships while holding strong for his family. A new house was built and life continues.
In summary, Bob Johnson is the person who will represent our children’s best interests while keeping an educated mind on increased spending.
Tom Dwyer
Hathaway Drive
West Windsor
Pettit, Gea, Bradley backed in Montgomery
To the editor:
Montgomery is fortunate to have such outstanding public schools, and it’s the reason many of us live in the township. Yet at the same time, many residents worry about what the future may bring higher costs, crowding and the loss of a "small school" environment. The concerns are reinforced by recent errors in anticipating the pace of population growth, leading to temporary classrooms, the delayed new high school and abrupt changes in grade configurations in the elementary schools.
This is the perfect time to bring fresh thinking to the Board of Education, where crucial decisions about the future of our schools are made. In the upcoming elections on April 20, three candidates stand out for their experience, creativity and commitment to public participation. Their knowledge and drive to prepare for the future is just what our schools need. The outstanding candidates are David Pettit, Hae Chang Gea and Andrea Bradley.
David Pettit will bring to the board valuable skills in planning, problem solving and community building. He is a consultant to Fortune 50 companies grappling with organizational change. He also has a master’s in social work with clinical experience in child psychology, is a leader in church and charity groups, has been active with youth in Montgomery for 12 years and has taught at the graduate level.
Hae Chang Gea is a professor of engineering at Rutgers, with a commitment to excellence in education. As a lifelong educator, he has first-hand knowledge of what is needed to effectively prepare our children for success beyond high school and is experienced in setting educational priorities. He will bring to the board valuable experience from working in a top-notch educational environment.
Andrea Bradley has proven herself to be an effective advocate for Montgomery’s parents and students. She has served as a PTA president and has been a skilled fund-raiser for the schools. The combination of her experience in corporate finance and proven commitment to our schools make her a natural choice for the board.
All three candidates have talked about increasing public participation in the planning process and can be expected to invite and encourage public input into the major decisions confronting our schools. And they bring commitment, energy and fresh perspectives to the critical job of providing a quality education to our children.
We encourage you to vote for Pettit, Gea and Bradley on April 20.
Brad and Diane Fay
Griggstown Road
Montgomery