Showing posts with label GI Bill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GI Bill. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Congressman Pallone Statement on Veterans Day 2015
The text of Pallone’s statement follows.
“Just as the military pledges to leave no solider behind on the battlefield, Veterans Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to leave no veteran behind when they return home. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the nation’s nearly 22 million veterans, including more than 30,000 in my Congressional District – and to our current troops and reservists, and their families. We must ensure that their sacrifice to our nation is never forgotten and that they have the tools they need live successful and healthy lives when their services are concluded.
“My father fought for our country during World War II, and I have gained an understanding – from him and many other veterans in my Congressional District – of the successes and challenges of our efforts to support our veterans.
“In many ways, the successes of programs designed to help veterans with the support they deserve – and have earned – are overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to Veterans Affairs, 80,000 veterans avoided foreclosure last year and 2.3 million veterans, service members and spouses are VA home loan participants as of this year. With the Post-9/11 GI Bill we enacted, nearly 1.5 million veterans and their family members have pursued their education.
“Yet, there is still much more to do.
“I am proud to be working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the Veterans Administration no longer fails our veterans. Among other efforts, it is important that we remove the needless obstacles and complexities in the VA, as well as implement new technology to improve the VA’s health care delivery.
“We must also address the employment of veterans when they come home. Members of the armed forces who defend our safety and freedoms should not have to fight for a job here at home, which is why it is critical that we work to expand job opportunities for returning veterans.
“This day and every day, let us honor the service of our nation’s veterans and pledge to fulfill our commitment to them when they return home.
“To our veterans --- Thank you.”
Sunday, July 27, 2014
A Sense of History
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter
July 20th marked the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The idea of going to the moon was daring and maybe even quixotic, but true to our traditional American character: thoroughly optimistic.
A sense of our history helps us understand whether we are making progress in things like science, research, protecting the environment, and the humanities, but it also helps us understand whether we are making progress as a country. In some ways, yes. We are conducting some of the most ingenious research that is helping people understand our universe. We are making in America some of the most innovative things that are sought after, even essential in the modern world. But with a sense of history we must also ask: are we true today to our traditional American character? Specifically, I find myself asking, is Congress staying true to that American tradition of optimism?
Think about the Morrill Act of 1862, which established out nation’s land grant college system, including Rutgers University, to advance research, agriculture, and commerce. In 1863, President Lincoln also signed the law creating the National Academy of Sciences, chartered not just as an honorific, but as a working agency to help the country grow in a smart way. Both were passed at a very difficult time – during the Civil War – when it was not obvious that the country could afford to do so.
These creations were optimistic – as were the GI Bill and the Civil Rights Act, about which I have written to you recently, and so many other public programs. The history of the U.S. is a history of enormous economic, social, technological, and cultural optimism. Our indisputable success as a nation over two centuries shows that our optimism has been well justified, and a good case can be made that American optimism has a lot to do with American success. I still find among most Americans that traditional optimism, despite some economic hard times, but our government at present does not match that optimism. I regret that so much of the talk in Washington is about what we cannot do, what our deficit - or our obsessions with it - will not allow us to do. Just imagine if at this time of near-zero interest rates, we invested boldly in education, infrastructure, and research! (From my remarks at a reception earlier this month.)
Supporting Our First Responders
Last week, I successfully assisted Fire District No. 1 in Franklin Township, Somerset County, in securing a $450,242 federal grant to replace outdated firefighting equipment.
I often visit with local first responders and see firsthand how important it is that they have the right training and equipment to keep us safe. Saying "thanks" to firefighters is only part of the support they need. Equipment and training take money.
Upcoming Academy Nomination Deadline
America’s military service academies provide a four-year college education, with full scholarship, to young men and women who pledge to serve as the next generation of leaders in the U.S. military services. I am currently accepting application for upcoming academy nominations, and welcome applicants from all areas of the 12th District. The information packet and application form are available on my website, and October 1, 2014 is the deadline to submit all materials. For questions and additional information, please email Zainab Chaudary on my staff at Zainab.Chaudary@mail.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
July 20th marked the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The idea of going to the moon was daring and maybe even quixotic, but true to our traditional American character: thoroughly optimistic.
A sense of our history helps us understand whether we are making progress in things like science, research, protecting the environment, and the humanities, but it also helps us understand whether we are making progress as a country. In some ways, yes. We are conducting some of the most ingenious research that is helping people understand our universe. We are making in America some of the most innovative things that are sought after, even essential in the modern world. But with a sense of history we must also ask: are we true today to our traditional American character? Specifically, I find myself asking, is Congress staying true to that American tradition of optimism?Think about the Morrill Act of 1862, which established out nation’s land grant college system, including Rutgers University, to advance research, agriculture, and commerce. In 1863, President Lincoln also signed the law creating the National Academy of Sciences, chartered not just as an honorific, but as a working agency to help the country grow in a smart way. Both were passed at a very difficult time – during the Civil War – when it was not obvious that the country could afford to do so.
These creations were optimistic – as were the GI Bill and the Civil Rights Act, about which I have written to you recently, and so many other public programs. The history of the U.S. is a history of enormous economic, social, technological, and cultural optimism. Our indisputable success as a nation over two centuries shows that our optimism has been well justified, and a good case can be made that American optimism has a lot to do with American success. I still find among most Americans that traditional optimism, despite some economic hard times, but our government at present does not match that optimism. I regret that so much of the talk in Washington is about what we cannot do, what our deficit - or our obsessions with it - will not allow us to do. Just imagine if at this time of near-zero interest rates, we invested boldly in education, infrastructure, and research! (From my remarks at a reception earlier this month.)
Supporting Our First Responders
Last week, I successfully assisted Fire District No. 1 in Franklin Township, Somerset County, in securing a $450,242 federal grant to replace outdated firefighting equipment.
I often visit with local first responders and see firsthand how important it is that they have the right training and equipment to keep us safe. Saying "thanks" to firefighters is only part of the support they need. Equipment and training take money.
Upcoming Academy Nomination Deadline
America’s military service academies provide a four-year college education, with full scholarship, to young men and women who pledge to serve as the next generation of leaders in the U.S. military services. I am currently accepting application for upcoming academy nominations, and welcome applicants from all areas of the 12th District. The information packet and application form are available on my website, and October 1, 2014 is the deadline to submit all materials. For questions and additional information, please email Zainab Chaudary on my staff at Zainab.Chaudary@mail.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Saturday, June 8, 2013
A Champion and a Friend
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
On Monday, New Jersey lost a champion and a friend. I don't think there will ever again be anybody quite like Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Frank came from humble beginnings, and he never forgot that. The GI Bill sent him to Columbia University, and he always felt grateful for that and felt a need to pay back.
Much has been said about his accomplishments: keeping trains and buses safe, promoting public health, safeguarding chemical plants, keeping cigarettes out of planes, and more. But what stands out in my mind is what Frank did to prevent drunk driving. As part of his transportation work, he established limits on blood alcohol levels. Today you could fill several football stadiums with people who are alive only because of Frank Lautenberg – and not one of them knows who they are.
Frank was dogged; he was persistent. His colleagues in the Senate would sometimes laugh or smile about that: “Here comes Frank again to try to twist our arms.” They liked him. Frank did his homework; he knew what he was talking about, and he just kept fighting.
Frank and I worked together on a number of things, so I feel this loss very personally.
Keeping Veterans Safe
Last month, I wrote to you about my effort with Rep. Jon Runyan to provide an additional $20 million for veteran suicide prevention in the 2014 VA budget. This week, there’s good news: the House has approved the funding we fought for and sent the proposal to the Senate for further consideration. This represents a continuation of funding that I first helped to secure in 2011.
This continued funding sends a clear message to our soldiers and veterans: Your country is committed to helping you cope with your service, and we will do everything possible to keep you safe.
Veterans who are struggling with the emotional, physical, family or career consequences of their service can call 1-855-VET-TALK (1-855-838-8255), 24 hours a day. The call is free, and all counselors are veterans.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
On Monday, New Jersey lost a champion and a friend. I don't think there will ever again be anybody quite like Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Frank came from humble beginnings, and he never forgot that. The GI Bill sent him to Columbia University, and he always felt grateful for that and felt a need to pay back.
Much has been said about his accomplishments: keeping trains and buses safe, promoting public health, safeguarding chemical plants, keeping cigarettes out of planes, and more. But what stands out in my mind is what Frank did to prevent drunk driving. As part of his transportation work, he established limits on blood alcohol levels. Today you could fill several football stadiums with people who are alive only because of Frank Lautenberg – and not one of them knows who they are.
Frank was dogged; he was persistent. His colleagues in the Senate would sometimes laugh or smile about that: “Here comes Frank again to try to twist our arms.” They liked him. Frank did his homework; he knew what he was talking about, and he just kept fighting.
Frank and I worked together on a number of things, so I feel this loss very personally.
Keeping Veterans Safe
Last month, I wrote to you about my effort with Rep. Jon Runyan to provide an additional $20 million for veteran suicide prevention in the 2014 VA budget. This week, there’s good news: the House has approved the funding we fought for and sent the proposal to the Senate for further consideration. This represents a continuation of funding that I first helped to secure in 2011.
This continued funding sends a clear message to our soldiers and veterans: Your country is committed to helping you cope with your service, and we will do everything possible to keep you safe.
Veterans who are struggling with the emotional, physical, family or career consequences of their service can call 1-855-VET-TALK (1-855-838-8255), 24 hours a day. The call is free, and all counselors are veterans.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Friday, April 12, 2013
No Such Excuse
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
Social Security has always had its rabid opponents. Alf Landon, the 1936 Republican presidential nominee, called President Roosevelt’s new Social Security program “unjust,” “a fraud on the working man,” and “a cruel hoax” that would leave retirees with nothing but “roll after roll of neatly executed IOUs.”
Alf Landon was wrong. But he at least had an excuse for his wrongness: he had never seen Social Security in action. Today’s Social Security opponents have no such excuse.
After 77 years, Social Security has compiled an overwhelming record of success. Its payments are modest, averaging only $1,265 per month, but for about 13 million seniors, such an amount is the difference between poverty and sufficiency. And notwithstanding claims to the contrary, the program remains on reasonably sound financial footing, as I have described before.
Yet opponents such as Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, want to slash Social Security by changing the rate at which benefits adapt to inflation. Sen. McConnell claims that something called “chained CPI” is a more accurate measure of inflation – ignoring evidence that most seniors experience higher inflation levels than measured under current law, due to their disproportionate use of high-cost-growth services such as health care.
While Social Security’s foes might prefer to couch their proposals in bureaucratic phrases about inflation indexes, big words can’t hide hard truths: this plan would mean a cut for America’s seniors, one that would eliminate benefits that they have earned and depend on, one that would cut the average benefit by $16,000 over a 25-year retirement.
Troublingly, President Obama, in an effort to reach political compromise, has included similar Social Security cuts in his proposed 2014 budget. Not only is it bad strategy to concede to your opponents’ demands before even sitting down at the negotiating table, but the President is flatly wrong to use seniors’ earned benefits as a bargaining chip.
I already have written the President to oppose these cuts to Social Security, and I will strongly oppose his plan in Congress.
A better way forward is the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, which I have cosponsored. It would bring Social Security’s revenue back into line with historic norms by increasing the wage base that pays into the social insurance program, and it would adopt a more sensible inflation index that recognizes that seniors’ costs generally rise faster than the costs faced by younger families.
Honoring Those Who Have Served
From 1952 to 1954, Gerald Graff served in the Medical Aid Battalion of the U.S. Army in the Korean War, providing front-line aid to wounded soldiers.
Later, he built a life beyond his military service. He attended NYU on the GI Bill, which he credits for providing higher education that he could not otherwise have afforded. He raised a family and settled down in Somerset – and somewhere along the way, he lost the medals he had earned in service to his country.
Recently, Mr. Graff reached out to me hoping to obtain duplicate decorations that he could pass along to his grandchildren. I had the honor of visiting him in his neighborhood to present him with the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
If you or someone you know is also due a military medal or award, please contact me so that our nation may properly honor those who have served.
Medicine Based on Evidence, Not Ideology
Policy should be based on evidence and analysis, not ideology. That is why, in 2011, I led a letter to the Obama Administration expressing my disappointment with their decision to overrule career FDA scientists and impose an age restriction on the over-the-counter purchase of emergency contraception.
I was pleased that a federal judge ruled last week that the Administration had acted wrongly in disregarding the scientific study conducted by the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research that found that the product was safe and effective for adolescent females. The court ordered that women of all ages be given the access they deserve to safe reproductive health care.
I have been in touch with the Administration to urge that they allow this sensible decision to stand.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Social Security has always had its rabid opponents. Alf Landon, the 1936 Republican presidential nominee, called President Roosevelt’s new Social Security program “unjust,” “a fraud on the working man,” and “a cruel hoax” that would leave retirees with nothing but “roll after roll of neatly executed IOUs.”
Alf Landon was wrong. But he at least had an excuse for his wrongness: he had never seen Social Security in action. Today’s Social Security opponents have no such excuse.
After 77 years, Social Security has compiled an overwhelming record of success. Its payments are modest, averaging only $1,265 per month, but for about 13 million seniors, such an amount is the difference between poverty and sufficiency. And notwithstanding claims to the contrary, the program remains on reasonably sound financial footing, as I have described before.
Yet opponents such as Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, want to slash Social Security by changing the rate at which benefits adapt to inflation. Sen. McConnell claims that something called “chained CPI” is a more accurate measure of inflation – ignoring evidence that most seniors experience higher inflation levels than measured under current law, due to their disproportionate use of high-cost-growth services such as health care.
While Social Security’s foes might prefer to couch their proposals in bureaucratic phrases about inflation indexes, big words can’t hide hard truths: this plan would mean a cut for America’s seniors, one that would eliminate benefits that they have earned and depend on, one that would cut the average benefit by $16,000 over a 25-year retirement.
Troublingly, President Obama, in an effort to reach political compromise, has included similar Social Security cuts in his proposed 2014 budget. Not only is it bad strategy to concede to your opponents’ demands before even sitting down at the negotiating table, but the President is flatly wrong to use seniors’ earned benefits as a bargaining chip.
I already have written the President to oppose these cuts to Social Security, and I will strongly oppose his plan in Congress.
A better way forward is the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, which I have cosponsored. It would bring Social Security’s revenue back into line with historic norms by increasing the wage base that pays into the social insurance program, and it would adopt a more sensible inflation index that recognizes that seniors’ costs generally rise faster than the costs faced by younger families.
Honoring Those Who Have Served
From 1952 to 1954, Gerald Graff served in the Medical Aid Battalion of the U.S. Army in the Korean War, providing front-line aid to wounded soldiers.
Later, he built a life beyond his military service. He attended NYU on the GI Bill, which he credits for providing higher education that he could not otherwise have afforded. He raised a family and settled down in Somerset – and somewhere along the way, he lost the medals he had earned in service to his country.
Recently, Mr. Graff reached out to me hoping to obtain duplicate decorations that he could pass along to his grandchildren. I had the honor of visiting him in his neighborhood to present him with the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
If you or someone you know is also due a military medal or award, please contact me so that our nation may properly honor those who have served.
Medicine Based on Evidence, Not Ideology
Policy should be based on evidence and analysis, not ideology. That is why, in 2011, I led a letter to the Obama Administration expressing my disappointment with their decision to overrule career FDA scientists and impose an age restriction on the over-the-counter purchase of emergency contraception.
I was pleased that a federal judge ruled last week that the Administration had acted wrongly in disregarding the scientific study conducted by the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research that found that the product was safe and effective for adolescent females. The court ordered that women of all ages be given the access they deserve to safe reproductive health care.
I have been in touch with the Administration to urge that they allow this sensible decision to stand.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
A Tale of Two Christies - and an overoptimistic message for the worst of times
In case anyone might have missed this, the following op-ed ran yesterday at NJ.com and The Trenton Times
By Joshua Henne
In the weeks since Gov. Chris Christie fist-pumped onto the Republican stage and stepped up onto the Tampa Bay podium, many have chimed in on his keynote address. Expectations were high, and reaction ran the gamut from disappointing to middling.
Much ink has been spilled over how the speech seemed to be all about Christie's favorite subject: himself. The first mention of Mitt Romney came nearly 20 minutes into the address, and he used the word "I" a whopping 37 times.
Much has also been written about how the keynote was heavy on hyperbole and vague on specifics. But no one's pointed out the glaring disconnect between the story Christie told there and the reality in New Jersey.
While the national Republican message this campaign season will undoubtedly be the economy, Christie used the word "jobs" a scant three times. He never once uttered the terms "unemployment" or "middle class."
Understandably, Christie isn't an effective fiscal surrogate. New Jersey's economy ranks an anemic 47th and a similarly dismal 47th in jobs.
Sadly, unemployment is 9.9 percent. Since Christie took office, the state consistently lags the rest of America when it comes to jobs. In fact, unemployment stands at its widest distance from the national average since the mid-'70s.
Many who know Christie only from fluffy interviews and manufactured YouTube moments were shocked at the speech's nasty tone. Yet, the keynote was vintage Christie to those who've lived with his escapades day in and day out. No one in New Jersey was surprised to see utter disdain dripping from his lips when mentioning teachers and unions. And if you pressed the television's mute button and simply viewed facial expressions, you'd notice nothing but anger and frowns. In fact, the only time Christie seemed to smile was when he spoke about his family.
Yes, Christie delivered a heartwarming story about his mother taking three buses to get to work every day. Yet, today, Christie seems not to care how his own policies are hurting others in the same situation. Shortly after taking office, Christie increased bus fares 10 percent, not to mention train and toll escalations. How many mothers throughout New Jersey lost their jobs because they couldn't afford the commute anymore?
Admirably, Christie spoke of his father attending college on the GI bill. Yet, tuition at state colleges and universities spiked under Christie. At the same time, he cut funding for low-income students. How many fathers or fathers-to-be can't afford college or are forced to take out onerous loans because Christie jacked up the price of education?
Lip service was given to bipartisanship. Yet, the only time the governor finds common ground is when someone scurries over to where he's already standing. To Christie, bipartisanship means dragging someone across the aisle or taking sole credit for ideas started by Democrats years before he came to Trenton.
Christie took a victory lap about balancing the budget three years in a row. Yet, in New Jersey, it's constitutionally mandated. In marking this "accomplishment," Christie is insisting on a gold star for something he had to do. It's akin to asking for a round of applause from a cop for driving under the speed limit or from one's wife for taking out the trash.
Delusionally, Christie alluded to lower taxes. Yet, in addition to tolls and transit increases, New Jerseyans have seen property taxes rise 20 percent on his watch. Fiscal pain is pushed along to municipalities, and local residents are paying more while receiving less from local government.
This all occurred while Christie seeks tax cuts for multimillionaires at the expense of the middle class.
Ironically, Christie delivered the keynote under a "We Built It" banner. Yet, he awarded $261 million in taxpayer money to Atlantic City casino moguls and also handed over hundreds of millions to mall developers in Bergen County.
Ultimately, Christie's speech will be remembered for being unmemorable. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio gave the visionary GOP convention speech Christie was shooting for. ?A week later, at the Democratic convention, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro gave the inspiring keynote many Republicans were hoping for.
And Christie should take notes on Newark Mayor Cory Booker's platform address for how a Jersey national name can deliver a passionate speech without resembling an angry man. Hint: It includes smiling and talking about aspirations, not simply making attacks and ignoring facts.
Long has Christie dreamed of making a mark like his political heroes. But wherein Ronald Reagan made us feel good about America and Tom Kean made us feel good about New Jersey, Christie only cared about making the audience feel good about Chris Christie.
And he even fell short on that front. Sure, he quoted his mother, who "never thought you get extra credit for just speaking the truth," but Christie outright failed by glossing over the truth back home.
As a drawbridge Republican, Christie got his and now believes you're on your own. This keynote was just like his record in New Jersey: mediocre, aggressive and, most of all, hypocritical.
Joshua Henne is a Democratic strategist and the spokesman for One New Jersey. Reach him on Twitter @JoshuaHenne.
One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.
By Joshua Henne
In the weeks since Gov. Chris Christie fist-pumped onto the Republican stage and stepped up onto the Tampa Bay podium, many have chimed in on his keynote address. Expectations were high, and reaction ran the gamut from disappointing to middling.
Much ink has been spilled over how the speech seemed to be all about Christie's favorite subject: himself. The first mention of Mitt Romney came nearly 20 minutes into the address, and he used the word "I" a whopping 37 times.
Much has also been written about how the keynote was heavy on hyperbole and vague on specifics. But no one's pointed out the glaring disconnect between the story Christie told there and the reality in New Jersey.
While the national Republican message this campaign season will undoubtedly be the economy, Christie used the word "jobs" a scant three times. He never once uttered the terms "unemployment" or "middle class."
Understandably, Christie isn't an effective fiscal surrogate. New Jersey's economy ranks an anemic 47th and a similarly dismal 47th in jobs.
Sadly, unemployment is 9.9 percent. Since Christie took office, the state consistently lags the rest of America when it comes to jobs. In fact, unemployment stands at its widest distance from the national average since the mid-'70s.
Many who know Christie only from fluffy interviews and manufactured YouTube moments were shocked at the speech's nasty tone. Yet, the keynote was vintage Christie to those who've lived with his escapades day in and day out. No one in New Jersey was surprised to see utter disdain dripping from his lips when mentioning teachers and unions. And if you pressed the television's mute button and simply viewed facial expressions, you'd notice nothing but anger and frowns. In fact, the only time Christie seemed to smile was when he spoke about his family.
Yes, Christie delivered a heartwarming story about his mother taking three buses to get to work every day. Yet, today, Christie seems not to care how his own policies are hurting others in the same situation. Shortly after taking office, Christie increased bus fares 10 percent, not to mention train and toll escalations. How many mothers throughout New Jersey lost their jobs because they couldn't afford the commute anymore?
Admirably, Christie spoke of his father attending college on the GI bill. Yet, tuition at state colleges and universities spiked under Christie. At the same time, he cut funding for low-income students. How many fathers or fathers-to-be can't afford college or are forced to take out onerous loans because Christie jacked up the price of education?
Lip service was given to bipartisanship. Yet, the only time the governor finds common ground is when someone scurries over to where he's already standing. To Christie, bipartisanship means dragging someone across the aisle or taking sole credit for ideas started by Democrats years before he came to Trenton.
Christie took a victory lap about balancing the budget three years in a row. Yet, in New Jersey, it's constitutionally mandated. In marking this "accomplishment," Christie is insisting on a gold star for something he had to do. It's akin to asking for a round of applause from a cop for driving under the speed limit or from one's wife for taking out the trash.
Delusionally, Christie alluded to lower taxes. Yet, in addition to tolls and transit increases, New Jerseyans have seen property taxes rise 20 percent on his watch. Fiscal pain is pushed along to municipalities, and local residents are paying more while receiving less from local government.
This all occurred while Christie seeks tax cuts for multimillionaires at the expense of the middle class.
Ironically, Christie delivered the keynote under a "We Built It" banner. Yet, he awarded $261 million in taxpayer money to Atlantic City casino moguls and also handed over hundreds of millions to mall developers in Bergen County.
Ultimately, Christie's speech will be remembered for being unmemorable. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio gave the visionary GOP convention speech Christie was shooting for. ?A week later, at the Democratic convention, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro gave the inspiring keynote many Republicans were hoping for.
And Christie should take notes on Newark Mayor Cory Booker's platform address for how a Jersey national name can deliver a passionate speech without resembling an angry man. Hint: It includes smiling and talking about aspirations, not simply making attacks and ignoring facts.
Long has Christie dreamed of making a mark like his political heroes. But wherein Ronald Reagan made us feel good about America and Tom Kean made us feel good about New Jersey, Christie only cared about making the audience feel good about Chris Christie.
And he even fell short on that front. Sure, he quoted his mother, who "never thought you get extra credit for just speaking the truth," but Christie outright failed by glossing over the truth back home.
As a drawbridge Republican, Christie got his and now believes you're on your own. This keynote was just like his record in New Jersey: mediocre, aggressive and, most of all, hypocritical.
Joshua Henne is a Democratic strategist and the spokesman for One New Jersey. Reach him on Twitter @JoshuaHenne.
* * * *
One New Jersey is shining a light on politicians who act against the best interests of New Jersey’s residents and who seek to divide our state for their own political gain. It is giving voice to the important issues that affect our daily lives. One New Jersey will closely monitor policy positions and actions of elected officials and expose their records on the issues that matter. You can follow One New Jersey on Twitter (@OneNJ) or search for “One New Jersey” on Facebook.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Rep. Pallone Hosts Roundtable with Area Active Service Members and Reservists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today met with active service members and reservists for a roundtable discussion on issues important to servicemen and women. He reaffirmed his support for the nation’s more than 2 million troops and reservists, 23 million veterans and their families while stressing that more must be done to ensure America’s service members and veterans receive the healthcare and benefits they need. The roundtable was convened by Sgt. John Irwin, who is working in Congressman Pallone’s district office as part of the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program.
From 2007-2010 the Democratic-controlled Congress made historic progress for veterans, including enacting the Post-9/11 GI bill and strengthening health care services by providing more resources to VA clinics and hospitals. The Post-9/11 GI bill restored the promise of a full, four-year college education to veterans, and has already allowed over 600,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars to afford college.
“Our troops make patriotic sacrifices on behalf of our country, and it is our responsibility to provide service members and veterans with the benefits they have earned and resources they need when they return home,” said Pallone. “I am always grateful for the opportunity to meet with New Jersey’s active duty service members, reservists and veterans to learn how I can better serve them in Congress and address their concerns.”
Congressman Pallone discussed the pressing need to address the nearly 12 percent unemployment rate for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Last fall, Congress passed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act to expand job opportunities for veterans through tax credits for businesses that hire service members.
“With one-in-five returning veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 looking for work, we have to fulfill our obligations to our veterans and do more to make sure they have the necessary tools to navigate this difficult labor market and succeed in the civilian workforce,” said Pallone.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today met with active service members and reservists for a roundtable discussion on issues important to servicemen and women. He reaffirmed his support for the nation’s more than 2 million troops and reservists, 23 million veterans and their families while stressing that more must be done to ensure America’s service members and veterans receive the healthcare and benefits they need. The roundtable was convened by Sgt. John Irwin, who is working in Congressman Pallone’s district office as part of the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program.
From 2007-2010 the Democratic-controlled Congress made historic progress for veterans, including enacting the Post-9/11 GI bill and strengthening health care services by providing more resources to VA clinics and hospitals. The Post-9/11 GI bill restored the promise of a full, four-year college education to veterans, and has already allowed over 600,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars to afford college.
“Our troops make patriotic sacrifices on behalf of our country, and it is our responsibility to provide service members and veterans with the benefits they have earned and resources they need when they return home,” said Pallone. “I am always grateful for the opportunity to meet with New Jersey’s active duty service members, reservists and veterans to learn how I can better serve them in Congress and address their concerns.”
Congressman Pallone discussed the pressing need to address the nearly 12 percent unemployment rate for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Last fall, Congress passed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act to expand job opportunities for veterans through tax credits for businesses that hire service members.
“With one-in-five returning veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 looking for work, we have to fulfill our obligations to our veterans and do more to make sure they have the necessary tools to navigate this difficult labor market and succeed in the civilian workforce,” said Pallone.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Rush Holt: 57 Days...
The following is from the E-Newsletter of Congressman Rush Holt:
Think of the great moments of American public policy: the creation of land grant colleges, the G.I. Bill, providing student loans – all directed toward increasing access to higher education.
In Congress, one of my top priorities has been to continue the work of making college more affordable and accessible. In 2007, I helped write the law that lowered interest rates on federal subsidized Stafford loans to 3.4 percent, saving today’s typical student borrower a couple thousand dollars.
Yet if Congress fails to act now, interest rates will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2012. This would apply to any student taking out a new loan after July 1, whether to start college or to stay in school.
We have 57 days left to prevent this – 57 days to prevent students from facing higher costs when they start classes next year, 57 days to prevent 143,892 New Jersey students from paying an additional $115 million in borrowing costs over the next year alone.
Next week, the U.S. Senate will be voting on the Stop the Rate Hike Act of 2012, of which I am a cosponsor in the House. The bill would keep loan rates at 3.4 percent, and it would pay for the cost by reining in just a fraction of the taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil.
Among recent college graduates who have taken out student loans, the average borrower owes $25,000 in education debt. Meanwhile, the five biggest oil companies reported $33.5 billion in profits in the last three months alone. Who needs our support more: the student, or Big Oil?
2012 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7th to 11th is Teacher Appreciation Week, a chance to recognize the contributions of educators who teach at levels from kindergarten through college and beyond.
Twelve years ago, I served on the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, known as the John Glenn Commission. In a report titled "Before It's Too Late," we made clear that our nation must increase the number of teachers in those fields significantly and provide more opportunities for teachers to enhance their math and science teaching skills. Training better teachers was, we found, the single most powerful way to improve math and science education – more powerful even than improving the curriculum. Although the Commission’s purview was limited to math and science, I am convinced that high-quality teachers play an equally vital role in other subject areas.
It is long past time to implement the Glenn Commission recommendations and make professional development of teachers one of our top concerns.
2012 Congressional Art Competition
Each year, I host a Congressional Art Competition to celebrate and recognize works of art created by high school students. This year, more than 100 high school artists shared works in categories including painting, drawing, print, and mixed media. Their work demonstrated great creativity, talent, and originality, and I was honored to showcase their efforts.
The overall winner of this year’s competition was Loretta Liu from West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, and for the next year, her work “Rush Hour” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. I look forward to seeing her future work in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Think of the great moments of American public policy: the creation of land grant colleges, the G.I. Bill, providing student loans – all directed toward increasing access to higher education.
In Congress, one of my top priorities has been to continue the work of making college more affordable and accessible. In 2007, I helped write the law that lowered interest rates on federal subsidized Stafford loans to 3.4 percent, saving today’s typical student borrower a couple thousand dollars.
Yet if Congress fails to act now, interest rates will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2012. This would apply to any student taking out a new loan after July 1, whether to start college or to stay in school.
We have 57 days left to prevent this – 57 days to prevent students from facing higher costs when they start classes next year, 57 days to prevent 143,892 New Jersey students from paying an additional $115 million in borrowing costs over the next year alone.
Next week, the U.S. Senate will be voting on the Stop the Rate Hike Act of 2012, of which I am a cosponsor in the House. The bill would keep loan rates at 3.4 percent, and it would pay for the cost by reining in just a fraction of the taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil.
Among recent college graduates who have taken out student loans, the average borrower owes $25,000 in education debt. Meanwhile, the five biggest oil companies reported $33.5 billion in profits in the last three months alone. Who needs our support more: the student, or Big Oil?
2012 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7th to 11th is Teacher Appreciation Week, a chance to recognize the contributions of educators who teach at levels from kindergarten through college and beyond.
Twelve years ago, I served on the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, known as the John Glenn Commission. In a report titled "Before It's Too Late," we made clear that our nation must increase the number of teachers in those fields significantly and provide more opportunities for teachers to enhance their math and science teaching skills. Training better teachers was, we found, the single most powerful way to improve math and science education – more powerful even than improving the curriculum. Although the Commission’s purview was limited to math and science, I am convinced that high-quality teachers play an equally vital role in other subject areas.
It is long past time to implement the Glenn Commission recommendations and make professional development of teachers one of our top concerns.
2012 Congressional Art Competition
Each year, I host a Congressional Art Competition to celebrate and recognize works of art created by high school students. This year, more than 100 high school artists shared works in categories including painting, drawing, print, and mixed media. Their work demonstrated great creativity, talent, and originality, and I was honored to showcase their efforts.
The overall winner of this year’s competition was Loretta Liu from West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, and for the next year, her work “Rush Hour” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. I look forward to seeing her future work in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Saturday, August 28, 2010
President Obama's Weekly Address 8/28/10: The End of Combat Operations in Iraq
With the end of combat operations in Iraq days ahead, the President salutes our troops for their service and pledges to fulfill America’s commitment to them as veterans. 90,000 troops have left Iraq since the President came into office, and by the end of next year even the troops taking part in the non-combat mission will be home. The administration is upholding the sacred trust with our veterans by building a 21st century VA, making it easier for veterans with PTSD to receive the benefits they need, funding and implementing a Post-9/11 GI Bill, and devoting new resources to job training and placement to help those veterans looking for work in a tough economy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)