Financial Reform Summit – September 14, 2010

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Financial Reform Summit
Making it Work for New Jersey
A Statewide Education and Implementation Summit

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rutgers University Student Center
126 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

To attend please RSVP by registering online by Friday, September 10, 2010 or by calling Citizen Action Education Fund at 732-246-4772 ext. 18. For more information, visit them online at www.njcaef.org.

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!!! – This summer, President Obama signed one of the most significant pieces of financial regulatory legislation passed since the Great Depression. These reforms will bring transparency and accountability to Wall Street and protect consumers on Main Street. Let’s ensure that this historic law is implemented effectively and that all New Jerseyans are informed as programs are established and new rules and guidelines are set.

With compromises being made by all sides, it is now time to roll up our sleeves and make this law work for New Jersey. The success (or failure) of financial reform will depend on how well we understand, publicize and implement the law and the opportunities it presents. It is vitally important that all sectors of the population who will be touched by this legislation continue to work together in a strong partnership as this new law becomes a reality.

Please join stakeholders of financial reform- including consumer advocates, community leaders, elected officials, bankers, regulators, labor leaders, seniors, academics, students and members of the public gather to discuss what’s in the law, what’s not in the law and where we go from here.

Speakers will outline the major provisions of the new law, the policy options, and the impact on consumers, investors and small business owners. State and national reform experts will also discuss the establishment of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and how it will expand consumer safeguards. Additionally, panelists will explore the effect of the new law on the flow of capital back into our communities and the impact it will have on asset building opportunities.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 10, 2010.

Admission is free. Lunch will be served. Seating is limited. Please RSVP online to reserve your space. You may also register by calling the New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund at 732-246-4772 ext. 18. Please include your name, organization or business, title, phone, email, and address including city, state, and zip code.

See you there.

P.S. If you wish to publicize the Financial Reform Summit there is downloadable flyer available.

Source: Email from Citizen Action and www.njcaef.org website

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New Jersey Veterans Resource Manual Published

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Michael Swayze

The New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, NASW-NJ, has published a “New Jersey Veterans Resource Manual for Social Workers”. It reads well and is a comprehensive guide for a veteran or their family members. Social workers should bookmark the guide.

In the 23 page guide are links to many agencies, programs, and services. You will find resources for service members and their family, support for families during military separation, information for those transitioning out of the military, addresses of veteran offices, clinic, and family assistance centers. Many other supportive services are listed as well.

You will find this valuable resource manual on the NASW-NJ homepage or by going to their page at http://www.naswnj.org/associations/5560/files/VetsManual-FINAL-%2008-2010.pdf . To the authors, yes this guide does make the process simpler so our clients can be connected to the services they deserve. Thanks.

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Join NJ 2-1-1 ProNet Email Listserv – Connecting Human Service Professionals

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Formerly known as the First Call Forum, NJ 2-1-1 ProNet is an e-mail listserv designed to foster communication between health and human service professionals in New Jersey. Any provider of human services in the state is welcome to become an active member of the listserv. Once you’ve registered you will have a free and easy channel of communication that will offer easy access to other ProNet members.

By using NJ 2-1-1 ProNet, you can communicate specific requests that are not being met by existing agencies and programs.

For example:
•A family, displaced after a fire, needs beds, a refrigerator, and other household items.
•A single man without family nearby needs transportation to chemotherapy treatments for 6 weeks.
•A mother from out-of-state needs a place to stay during her daughter’s lengthy hospitalization in Morristown.

NJ 2-1-1 ProNet can also be used to post announcements of:
•Donation offerings (clothing, furniture, etc.)
•Program expansions, changes, closings or hiatuses
•Workshops, seminars, special programs
•Agency/organization job postings

NJ 2-1-1 ProNet provides simple access to professionals throughout the state who you can communicate with to find solutions for specific requests that are not being met by existing agencies. Use it as well as a forum to post announcements about programs, workshops and employment opportunities.

You can find the this email listserv at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NJ2-1-1ProNet/. It is simple to share your thoughts, queries or announcements with the group. To join NJ 2-1-1 ProNet members of nonprofits, health organizations, or human service organizations can send an email to: ProNet@nj211.org. Include your name, organization, and telephone number. To subscribe via Yahoo Groups send an email to:
NJ2-1-1ProNet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Once subscribed you can post messages at NJ2-1-1ProNet@yahoogroups.com.

Feel free to share this message with other colleagues who would benefit from a connection with the 2-1-1 community.

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Help For Homeless Veterans: HUD Announces New Funding

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Today is Independence Day, a national holiday, a day we celebrate with family and friends at barbecues, at the beach, watching fireworks. It’s also a day we pay tribute to the members of our armed forces and their families. Earlier today First Lady Michelle Obama issued a message. In it she stated the following, which is worth repeating here.

“Our military families are tested each day. Multiple and extended deployments mean that children often don’t see their moms or dads for long periods of time. Civilian spouses juggle the demands of work and family without their partners for long stretches of time. Family members serve as primary care givers for our wounded warriors, and too many families bear the heartbreaking reality of moving forward with their lives while keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive. Through it all, military families contribute countless hours to supporting other military families, being role models to our children, and making communities stronger. A small percentage of Americans fight our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support these brave men and women and their families back home.”

Last month the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that nearly 8000 homeless veterans will get permanent housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). New Jersey vets and their families are expected to receive 150 HUD-VASH vouchers. Eligibility screening for the program occurs at designated VA Medical Centers and within designated Service Areas (Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark, Trenton, and Elizabeth). Eligible veterans are provided supportive services and case management as well as being referred to a participating public housing authority for their rent subsidy voucher.

The VA Medical Centers involved in this HUD-VASH voucher allocation are located at:

East Orange – VA Medical Center
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
973-676-1000

Lyons – VA Medical Center
151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ 07939
908-647-0180
Service areas includes: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

Philadelphia – VA Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-823-5800
Service area includes: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester

Wilmington – VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-994-2511 or 800-461-8262
Service area includes: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem

If you know of a veteran who may qualify for the HUD-VASH program they should contact their local VA Medical Center. Or to connect to a trained VA staff person call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). For other useful New Jersey contact information see HUD press release or visit the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website.

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Ecoman and The Skeptic

Posted on June 23, 2010 by Michael Swayze

In these trying environmental times I want to pass along a favorite radio, correction Internet radio show of mine. It’s called Ecoman and the Skeptic and it airs weekly on the Green Talk Radio Network. There are several ways to listen to the show. Perhaps the easiest, at least for me, is to listen to them on my iPod while commuting to and from work.

Ecoman and the Skeptic are two professors from Philadelphia University’s Engineering and Design Institute. They are: Rob Fleming, an architect (Ecoman) and Chris Pastore, an engineer (Skeptic). Their show is informative, funny, and covers a wide range of topics dealing with sustainability.

You can check it out by visiting www.philau.edu/ecomanandtheskeptic . Or you could visit the iTunes Store and download any of their three dozen shows via podcast. Another method is to go to The Voice America’s Green Talk Radio Network website and listen to Ecoman and The Skeptic live. Their show usually airs from September through April during the school year. I’m behind in my listening but I’m catching up by way of the podcasts.

If you want to learn more about what sustainability is all about this is a show to turn to. Me, I’m lucky I have a daughter and son-in-law who are in the field. BTW, if anyone is thinking about getting a degree in sustainable design go visit Sustainable Design blog belonging to Philadelphia University.

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New Jersey Extends LIHEAP Deadline to May 28, 2010

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Michael Swayze

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced last week that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to Friday, May 28, 2010. This allows families, burdened by outstanding energy bills, additional time to apply for benefits and emergency assistance.

For additional information call the NJ LIHEAP Hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the New Jersey Community Resources energy page.

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New Traffic Laws For New Jersey Motorists and Pedestrians

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Motorists and pedestrians are in for a culture change, based on a law that became effective April 1. “No longer will crossing the street be a game of chicken”, said Pam Fisher, Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, at a news conference held last Wednesday to publicize the new law. Under legislation adopted by the state legislature in January, drivers must stop for pedestrians within crosswalks or face increased penalties. Failure to observe the law may subject drivers to any of the following: a $200 fine (previously $100), 2 points, and up to 15 days of community service.

According to state and federal traffic statistics, about 25% of New Jersey auto related fatalities involve pedestrians which is nearly double the national average. Press articles issued in conjunction with the new law also indicate that pedestrians will also be held to stricter standards for improper behavior – jaywalking, crossing on the red, etc. It is expected that education and enforcement initiatives will become more aggressive in the weeks and months ahead.

Additional information available online include: March 31 Attorney General press release, and Pedestrian Safety regulations issued by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Another new law that hasn’t received too much publicity is the “Move Over Law” which took effect January, 2009. The following is taken from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. It reads as follows:

“MOVE OVER FOR STATIONARY EMERGENCY AND OTHER SERVICE VEHICLES
As of January 27, 2009, New Jersey’s “Move Over” law requires that all motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle. If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of his/her vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed that is lower than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop, if necessary. Motorists who violate this law face a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. (C.39:4-92.2 and 39:3-84.6)”

It’s time we slow down, follow sensible driving and pedestrian rules, and stop from killing each other on the road.

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Earned Income Tax Credit & Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Tax season is upon us and free tax sites, VITA sites, have opened their doors. This year several tax credits have been expanded to help put as much as $6,000 in the pockets of low-income working families. In particular, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are powerful resources for working people with low incomes.

In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.

Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.

With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.

Source: Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network

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WorkPAYS – A Great Employment Program

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Michael Swayze

Several weeks ago the state rolled out a new employment program targeted at TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) households and New Jersey employers. It is the best program to come along in a long, long time. So if you are receiving cash assistance for yourself and your family please read on. If you work for a nonprofit read on and tell your clientele.

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development has created a subsidized employment program for Work First New Jersey TANF clients. The goal of the program is to create jobs for TANF clients that may become permanent or provide work experience that will lead to an unsubsidized job with a different employer. Under the state guidelines WorkPAYS will reimburse employers 100% of the hourly wages for a period of six months. The program is time-limited. It begins March 1 and ends September 30, 2010.

TANF clients should contact their Work First New Jersey Case Manager for more details and to receive a “Dear Employer” letter which they can present to prospective employers. Interested employers would be contacted by Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) personnel.

Additional information to job seekers is available online on the LWD website.

Work pays.

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Energy Assistance Tips

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Michael Swayze

The application period to apply for home heating assistance is now half over as the application period is November 1 through April 30, 2010. There have been a few things that should have been presented earlier but better late than never. Let me try to keep this short and to the point. Here are a few things you probably didn’t know.

1. Instead of calling the local application agency to inquire about a LIHEAP application (for example in Union County the local agency is PROCEED) there is a statewide LIHEAP hotline number that applicants and food stamp clients can call instead of calling the local agency which just makes them take time out from processing hundreds of applications. The hotline number – which by the way is open on SATURDAY’s – is 800-510-3102.
2. USF portability is probably a term you never heard about. Portable can be defined as carried or moved with ease. In energy assistance terms, when a utility customer who is receiving USF benefits moves to a new address, their USF eligibility can be re-evaluated by a phone call to the utility. The customer tells the customer service rep they are receiving USF benefits but they are moving to a new address. The company will evaluate the energy usage at the new address and then the state of New Jersey will determine eligibility for USF at their new location. A simple phone call. Portability.
3. Every year the staff at NJ211 compile an energy guide. The 36 page 2009-2010 publication titled New Jersey Guide to Meeting Basic Utility Needs gives useful information on programs and agencies.

You can also access the New Jersey Community Resources energy assistance programs webpage which contains an eligibility chart of various programs and links to forms. If you have other useful energy assistance tips or information let me know.

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