Pallone Announces New Initiative to Modernize Schools and Creat Jobs at Building Trades Convention

LONG BRANCH, NJ – On Tuesday, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) unveiled a new initiative that would create jobs while modernizing America’s schools through a new federal grant program modeled after the successful Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program. TIGER grants provide robust federal dollars for large-scale surface transportation projects. Pallone’s plan, the School Modernization Grant Program or SMGP would be a competitive grant program where states and municipalities can apply for funds to cover critical school modernization needs.

Pallone announced his proposal today before a receptive crowd at the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council 109th Annual Convention in Atlantic City.

“The youth of our nation deserve a fair shot at the American dream, but without a good school environment or the necessary tools, we might be setting up them up for failure,” said Pallone. “Not only will these school construction grants benefit our children, but they will create quality jobs in our communities.”

Under Pallone’s plan, grants could cover anything from building new science labs to overhauling and upgrading a failing heating and cooling system in a school. A specific portion of this grant funding will be set aside for Title I school districts, or schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families.

According to “Rebuild America’s Schools,” of the existing 80,000 schools in our country at least one-third are in need of extensive repair or replacement. At least two-thirds have troublesome environmental conditions: the presence of asbestos, lead in water and paint, leaking underground storage tanks and radon, or they lack noise control or physical security.

“It seems that without concern for the consequences, House Republicans have proposed cut after cut to our nation’s infrastructure and programs investing in our nation’s children. Congress must put forth policies that create jobs while also modernizing our country’s infrastructure, and my proposal does just that,” added Pallone.

13 LD ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES, FRIEDMAN AND MOREHEAD, ON THE ENDORSEMENT FROM NJ STATE BUILDING AND TRADES COUNCIL

Aberdeen Township, (Monmouth County NJ) -- On Friday, June 7, 2013, the NJ State Building & Construction Trades Council endorsed Legislative District 13, State Assembly candidates, Allison Friedman and Matthew Morehead.

Matthew Morehead & Allison Friedman

“We are honored with the endorsement and hope to bring the people's voice to Trenton in November.” said Allison Friedman and Matthew Morehead in a joint statement.

“Unions created most of the workers rights we sometimes take advantage of such as a 40 hour work week, many of those who sit in the Assembly and Senate seats had parent who held Union jobs, that enabled them to send their children to college. The Union workers today have been unfairly vilified. The work done in Belmar on the boardwalk, not only finished first but finished under budget, is only the tip of the iceberg of what Unions can do, and I thank them for their support.” said Allison Friedman

"As a small business owner I would not have had the opportunities I have today if it were not for the benefits the PBA earned by my father and the benefits earned by my mother through the nurses union." said Matthew Morehead

Cullen, Lavan & Short Pick Up Endorsements of Monmouth/Ocean Building Trades Council And New Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council

Democratic Candidates in the NJ's 13th Legislative District Christopher Cullen, Kevin Lavan and Patrick Short, have received two important endorsements of support from labor unions representing building trade workers.

The three have received endorsements from both the Monmouth/Ocean Building Trades Council and the New Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council (AFL-CIO).

In his letter of endorsement William T. Mullen, President of the New Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council, states:

"... Our organization represents over 150,000 Building & Construction trade workers and families who will receive communications stating your pro-building trades positions and our support for your election. We will also work to ensure that targeted races will receive manpower and financial support needed to prove successful.

New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council stands proudly with you in your support of new growth in New Jersey business and the improvement of our citizen's welfare by the means of fair wages, quality health care and secure retirements."...

Former Hazlet Mayor Christopher Cullen is running against Joe Kyrillos for NJ Senate while another former Hazlet Mayor Kevin Lavan and former Middletown Committeeman Patrick Short, will be seeking to unseat incumbants Amy Handlin and Declan O'Scanlon for positions in the NJ State Assembly.