NJ to Receive $10 Billion in Federal Aid

New Jersey, one of the states hardest-hit by the coronavirus, will be receiving $10.2 billion in federal aid from the $1.9 trillion stimulus package that President Biden will sign into law on Friday.

The American Rescue Plan contains $360 billion for state’s to distribute to struggling businesses, social programs, schools, public transit, infrastructure and vaccine programs.

New Jersey itself will receive roughly $6.4 billion and another $189 million to expand broadband internet access for lower income families and businesses. An additional $1.8 billion will be for the county governments and $1.7 billion divided for the state’s cities, Pix11 reported.

The funds will help cities and local governments balance budgets and make up for coronavirus-related losses in order to prevent them from being forced to cut essential workers and municipal workers in transit, education or infrastructure maintenance.

“In the midst of the greatest public health and economic crises of our lifetimes, it is unacceptable that New Jersey schools, hospitals, small businesses and workers faced the additional threat of budgetary shortfalls,” said Senator Cory Booker. “With state and local governments across our country facing the painful decisions of potentially laying off thousands of police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other essential workers, and cutting essential services, the full support of our federal government has never been more important to fight this pandemic. The federal funding in this COVID relief package will help provide the relief that New Jerseyans desperately need, and I was proud to work with Sen. Menendez in getting it across the finish line.”

The bill was voted for by all New Jersey Democrat Congress members, and New Jersey Republicans were among the few GOP members who voted for the bill.

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smarcus@hamodia.com