December 3, 2018 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

This past Monday night the Middletown Township Committee got together for it's monthly Workshop meeting. It was a typical December workshop meaning very little was discussed, however, an ordinance was adopted that will provide death benefits for EMS volunteers and another ordinance was adopted that would exempt veterans that are 100% disabled from paying property taxes.

Most of the runtime of the video below can be attributed to Public Comments, which I recommend watching. It's always good to hear what's on the minds of residents that motivates them to attend a Township Committee meeting. Comments being a little after the 25 minute timestamp on the video.





As always you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Unbroken Warriors Walk To Awareness For PTSD

PRESS RELEASE:
April 27th, 2017

Michael Dowens

Michael Dowens will do his second extended ruck march to raise money and awareness for PTSD to take place the morning of Wednesday May 31, 2017 and go to the evening of June 3, 2017. More details to follow about the send off ceremony and the homecoming ceremony.

Dowens, now a Holmdel police officer, is an honorably discharged Navy veteran plagued with PTSD. He and his wife Christine founded Unbroken Warriors to help veterans cover their costs for receive residential level mental health interventions specially designed for PTSD.

Michael Dowens and his nonprofit Unbroken Warriors is hoping to help other afflicted veterans by walking 240 miles nonstop over four days from Washington, D.C. to New Jersey. His ruck march last year was displayed on social media in real time and raised $30,000. This year he hopes to match that. Donations can be made on the website or mailed to Unbroken Warriors PO Box 141, Holmdel, NJ 07733. www.unbrokenwarriors.org

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/2/16: Serving our Military Families This Fourth of July

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama wished everyone a happy Fourth of July, and recognized our service members, veterans and their families for their service to our country. The President commended First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden on the most recent milestone of their Joining Forces initiative. This week, the First Lady and Dr. Biden announced that all fifty states have acted to streamline professional licensing for military spouses, who often move across state lines and need to re-certify for a job they are already qualified for. Although more work needs to be done, today, many military spouses no longer have to worry about putting their career on hold just because their loved ones have chosen to serve this country. That’s what this initiative is all about – serving our troops as well as they have served us. This holiday weekend, visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can serve service members, veterans and military families in your community.

President Obama's Weekly Address 1/17/14: State of the Union Is This Tuesday

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President recounted the stories of letter writers from around the country who will be joining him when he delivers his annual State of the Union Address this Tuesday: Carolyn, who was able to expand her small business through a Small Business Administration loan, and this year raised wages for their hourly employees; Jason, a wounded warrior who served in Afghanistan and is now back home with his wife and first daughter, born in November; and Victor, who affords his student loans with help from the Income Based Repayment Plan, and has health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act. Stories like theirs are proof of the progress our country has made. The President encouraged everyone to tune in Tuesday evening to hear more about America’s comeback, and the steps we can take to ensure all Americans – not just a fortunate few – benefit from our American resurgence.

Legacy Of Service

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter

When reports surfaced in March that dozens of veterans had died while awaiting medical attention in other states, I wanted to know what kind of experience veterans in New Jersey were having. I sent surveys to more than 2,500 veterans in my District, asking them very straightforward questions about the scheduling process, wait times, and the quality of care they have been receiving at NJ VA medical facilities. Of the 140 responses I received, 95 said that they were happy with the care they had received, and 45 reported dissatisfaction with delays and with the state of facilities. While the positive response reaffirms that the VA system in New Jersey often provides excellent, compassionate, and skilled care, the negative responses demonstrate that there is still work to be done.

I am happy to report that with my support, Congress passed – and the President signed into law – a bipartisan bill to grant veterans greater access to medical care outside of the VA under certain circumstances, and provide monetary support to improve VA facilities and alleviate the physician shortage.

My Mailbag

Recently, I joined Robert Ahr on his postal route in Manville. The U.S. Postal Service is a unique feature in our society that helps build our communities.

As your voice in the U.S. House of Representatives, I always strive to represent you and the nearly 744,000 other residents in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. Each day, I receive hundreds of letters on dozens of topics. I thought I would share with you some of the letters I recently received, as well as my replies.


A resident of Lawrence Township wrote encouraging me to right the wrongs of unequal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare by investing $1 billion annually in international family planning. I wrote to let her know that I am a cosponsor of the Global Democracy Promotion Act, which would codify President Obama’s Executive Order lifting the global “gag rule” on U.S. funding for international family planning services.

Georgia from Princeton wrote to thank me for cosponsoring the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. I let Georgia know I was a cosponsor of the bill because protecting our environment and the animals we share it with is one of my top legislative priorities, and that humane treatment of animals is a mark of a civilized society. In fact, I have earned a lifetime 100 percent rating from the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Marion from South River emailed me to urge passage of the Stop Corporate Inversions Act, which would prevent U.S. companies from declaring themselves as foreign entities to avoid millions in taxes. I wrote to let her know that I am a cosponsor of the bill because U.S. companies engaging in these activities and deriving benefits from operating in the U.S. should not cheat the system by avoiding the costs of maintaining our society.
Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Faces of the Fallen 2014

(www.davegranlund.com)

6805 U.S. servicemen and servicewomen have died serving our country since 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  Of those 6805, 16 U.S. service members died during 2014.  We should remember them all, as well as, all of those that went before.

Check out the Washington Post to search for the Faces of the Fallen of those heroes that gave their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom and to remember what the meaning Memorial Day really is. 

Buono: Christie Cannot Be Trusted To Stand Up for Workers and Veterans

New Brunswick, NJ - Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono released the following statement:

"Time and time again, Governor Christie has pledged to protect benefits for public workers. However, his lofty statements have become nothing more than broken promises. As a candidate for Governor in 2009, Christie promised our teachers, police officers and firefighters that he would not diminish their benefits. But when push came to shove, the Governor inexplicably broke his promise to public workers. This time, Governor Christie claims that his proposed changes to the Civil Service Commission will not harm veterans’ benefits and make it harder for veterans to find jobs. Since his civil service commission refuses to speak about the rule changes, and the commission held only one meeting, in the middle of the day, we are again asked to believe the Governor’s promises. However, New Jersey workers and families cannot afford more of the Governor’s empty rhetoric. Governor Christie has turned his back on public workers before and we have every reason to believe he will do the same again."

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

President Obama's Weekly Address 5/25/13: Giving Thanks to Our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated Memorial Day by paying tribute to the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in service to our country. The President said that America has always risen to meet and overcome its challenges because of their brave sacrifice, and asked all Americans to honor our fallen heroes and to stand with our veterans and military families as we come together this weekend.

President Obama's Weekly Address 1/12/13: Ending the War in Afghanistan and Rebuilding America

WASHINGTON, DC— Following his meeting with President Hamid Karzai, President Obama used his weekly address to update the American people on how we will end the war in Afghanistan, and how our goal of ensuring that al Qaeda never again uses Afghanistan to launch attacks against America is within reach. The war will be over by the end of next year, and we must now focus on the task of rebuilding America, strengthening our economy, and supporting our brave troops and veterans, and the President is confident we can meet these challenges by working together as a nation.

President Obama's Weekly Address 12/22/12: The President and First Lady Extend a Holiday Greeting and Thank our Troops for their Service

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thanked our brave troops and their families for their service. The President and First Lady asked the American people to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to honor and support our veterans and military families, and said that we must all come together, as we always do, to care for each other during this holiday season.

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.

President Obama's Weekly Address 5/26/12: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama paid tribute to our men and women in uniform who have died in service to our country. The President also reaffirmed our nation’s dedication to serving our veterans as well as they have served us, and thanked our men and women in uniform for their unwavering commitment to the United States. As we come together on Memorial Day, we remind our military families and veterans that they are not alone, and give our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and helped make America the most prosperous and powerful nation on earth.

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/28/12: Helping our Veterans and Servicemembers Make Informed Decisions about Higher Education

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama told the American people about a new Executive Order he signed on Friday to crack down on bad actors that prey on our veterans and service members considering higher education. Unfortunately these brave men and women are often bombarded by schools that provide false or misleading information about things like interest rates on loans, credit transfers, and job placement programs. The President’s new Executive Order makes it easier for veterans and service members to make informed decisions about financial aid and paying for college and also takes a number of steps to fight deceptive practices by some institutions. President Obama will always make sure that those who serve this country get every opportunity they deserve.

Carol Fowler Discusses Her Work With Veterans During Comcast Newsmakers Interview

In September of 2010, Carol Fowler 2011 Democratic Candidate for Middletown Township Committee, was interviewed by Jill Horner of Comcast Newsmakers on her work directing the Center for US War Veterans' Oral Histories, a partner of the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project, at the National Guard Militia Museum of NJ in Sea Girt.

At the time, over 400 veterans had been filmed on their time in service. The project began in June 2001.

Bare with the video, the content doesn't start until 24 seconds into the clip.

Send a message to our troops

I found this link while going through the online addition of the Asbury Park Press. The link is from USAToday and it allows individuals to video record a special holiday message to those serving in our military. The video below is an example of what the messages could look like, it is really all up to you. I hope many take advantage of this opportunity.

"This holiday season, many American families are separated by war — some for the second or third time as troops serve repeated tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Now USA TODAY is providing a way for those families to share video messages and for everyone to join the conversation. To send your own message to the troops, simply press record."

NJPP Monday Minute 11/8/10: Honoring veterans with a tax break

On Thursday, Americans will formally honor the nation's military veterans. Veteran's Day is a federal holiday and is observed annually on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. On that day, major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. The holiday is officially celebrated in other parts of the world as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

Former New Jersey Governor and U. S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 30, 1919. Seven years later Congress declared the holiday should be moved to November 11 as "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace..."

One of the ways New Jersey and most other states honor their veterans is through property tax breaks. New Jersey provides a $250 annual property tax deduction to veterans who are U. S. citizens and New Jersey residents and who have been honorably discharged from active service during war-time. Since 1947, this benefit has been protected by a provision in the State Constitution and has increased from $50 to its current level. Since 2003, when the deduction was raised to its current level, there have been no increases. Surviving spouses and domestic/civil union partners continue to receive this benefit as long as they do not remarry.

These property tax deductions are available only to veterans who served during wartime, including those who have served or are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of veterans claiming this deduction has decreased by more than 30 percent in the past 10 years, from 337,344 in 2000 to 257,366 this year. This decrease is expected to continue as New Jersey veterans continue to age.

Municipalities currently administer this program and the state reimburses them 102 percent - the entire cost of the deduction plus 2 percent for administrative costs. This calendar year, the deduction has cost the state $65.5 million, an amount that like the number of veterans has been declining each year since its appropriation peaked at $81 million in 2003.

A smaller number of veterans - those rated 100 percent disabled by the federal Department of Veterans' Affairs and who served during war-time - are totally exempt from paying property taxes. In 2010, 6,790 New Jersey veterans qualified for this exemption.

For more information on this deduction and eligibility for this benefit, go to the deduction application.

As Veterans Day approaches, thank the veterans for their valiant efforts against tyranny and for their peacekeeping efforts around the world.