Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill are lead signatories making sure New Jersey receives their fair share of COVID-19 aid.
The two lead a bipartisan delegation who want regional cost-of-living adjustments factored in to any potential stimulus funds to Americans and businesses. This will ensure that residents in higher cost states are not erroneously excluded from needed assistance.
Leadership Letter
In a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the coalition states “This health-related economic slowdown threatens the ability of New Jersey residents to pay for their housing, afford food or purchase necessary products to protect their health during the pandemic.”
Among the New Jersey congressmen signing the letter include Democrats Donald Payne, Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, Andy Kim, Tom Malinowski and Republician Jeff Van Drew.
According to a recently published study by the St. Louis Federal Reserve, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, a New Jersey household yearly income of $66,876 provides the same standard of living as a salary of $47,884 in Mississippi or $49,992 in Arkansas.
Cost of Living
“As you consider further legislative packages to assist our communities that have been impacted by the (COVID-19) pandemic, we request that cost of living adjustments for localities are made when considering economic stimulus payments to residents and businesses,” the representatives states. “Doing so would help ensure that New Jersey residents are not erroneously excluded from needed assistance.”
The letter further notes employees of small and medium-sized businesses will be particularly impacted by the non-essential retail businesses closure sand residents only leaving their homes if necessary mandated by Gov. Phil Murphy, in consultation with health experts.
“Without the ability for people to work and spend money within the local economy…This health-related economic slowdown threatens the ability of New Jersey residents to pay for their housing, afford food, or purchase necessary products to protect their health during the pandemic,” according to the delegation.
