What’s New?

Resources to help undocumented families understand their rights

Posted on March 2, 2017

ACNJ has received calls related to immigration and the impact of recent executive orders on undocumented families here in New Jersey. Below are helpful resources to help families understand the executive orders and ensure their children are cared for in the case parents are unable. If you or your organization is aware of other resources, please share them with us and post to ACNJ social media. ACNJ will continue to share other resources as we learn of them.

The National Immigration Law Center –   Share their Know Your Rights fact sheet which is also available in Spanish.

Child Advocacy Clinic, Rutgers Law School –  They have prepared a fact sheet with tips for undocumented parents that includes a Power of Attorney parents can use to ensure their children are cared for in the case they are unable.  View Spanish bilingual version.

Read their Frequently asked questions on Power of Attorney.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center – This website provides community resources, including a family preparedness plan. View Spanish version.

US Department of Education – View their fact sheet for families and school staff on limitations on Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations or “Safe Zones”.  This DHS guidance is also available by accessing the link at https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/sensitive-locations-faqs

ACNJ highlights on proposed NJ FY2018 Budget

Posted on March 1, 2017

State Budget Highlights for Children and Families
Governor Christie unveiled his proposed FY 2018 budget on Tuesday, February 28. Details are still sparse and will emerge in the coming weeks. The budget will be debated in the state Legislature over the next few months and a final budget must be adopted by June 30. Changes could occur during that time. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Here is what we know so far:

State Aid to Schools
The Governor recommended a small increase (0.2 percent) for direct state aid for schools bringing the total amount to $9.2 billion. Direct school aid represents approximately 26 percent of the $35.5 billion proposed budget. Formula aid remains at the FY 2017 level ($7.9 billion). While Governor Christie did not recommend any direct changes to the formula at this time, he strongly urged the legislature to work with him to create a new funding formula within 100 days

Preschool
While some previous budget proposals have included increased funding for districts with state-supported preschool programs, the FY 2018 recommendation does not. Preschool funding remains at the same level as FY 2016 and FY 2017: $655.5 million

School Breakfast
New Jersey school districts continue to receive additional federal funding to feed breakfast to hungry students.  Actual FY 2016 federal revenues received were $94.5 million – an increase of 16 percent from FY 2015 when revenues were $82.6 million. The budget estimates FY 2017 revenues will be $98 million, while FY 2018 revenues are projected to be $105 million

This is the result of schools serving more children that all-important morning meal. ACNJ has led the NJ Food for Thought School Breakfast Campaign, which has succeeded in convincing more districts to serve breakfast during the first few minutes of the school day, rather than before school when students have not yet arrived. Actual federal revenues increased by 104 percent since the campaign began in 2010.

Known as “breakfast after the bell,” this approach significantly increases student participation in this federally-funded child nutrition program. This is great news for New Jersey students, schools and the communities they serve. And it means that New Jersey is bringing back more of the federal dollars we already send to Washington, while addressing childhood hunger — a major barrier to learning.

NJ FamilyCare
The proposed budget continues the expansion of Medicaid for certain parents/caretakers and single adults without children, ages 19 to 64 under NJ FamilyCare. Since the expansion took effect on January 1, 2014, 487,000 low-income residents have gained health insurance through NJ FamilyCare (including Medicaid enrollment). The FY 2018 budget estimates monthly enrollment (adults and children) at 1,804,507 – a two percent increase over FY 2017 average monthly enrollment (1,770,366). The budget assumes no reductions in federal health care funding.

Earned Income Tax Credit
The governor’s budget provides for an increase in the EITC from 30% to 35% of the federal benefit amount beginning in tax year 2016. This increase follows an increase from 20% to 30% in 2015. The credit for an average working family is projected to rise to approximately $800.

Mental Health/Addiction Services
Governor Christie’s recently announced addiction initiatives include expansion of the Department of Children and Families’ residential services for 18- and 19-year-olds who are struggling with substance use. In addition, the FY 2018 budget recommendation provides $1.5 million in funding for on-campus housing for college students in recovery. This program provides students with a sober environment, counseling and additional supports, all of which are useful tools in the life-long battle to maintain sobriety

Lead Regulations and Testing
The FY 2018 budget recommends $10 million in additional State funding to meet the funding needs required by new regulations to identify elevated blood-lead levels in children consistent with those of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The FY 2017 budget provided $10 million to reimburse school districts for costs related to lead testing between July 13, 2016, and July 13, 2017. While this appropriation is not continued in FY 2018, school districts that tested their water during that time period can continue to seek reimbursement in FY 2018 from unexpended fiscal 2017 balances.

Advocates for Children of New Jersey will continue to comb budget documents for more details as they are issued. The schedule and registration for Senate and Assembly Budget Hearings is on the NJ Legislature website.  Please be on the lookout for future updates and opportunities to influence the budget process.

Read Gov. Christie’s budget address.

Read FY 2018 State budget summary.

Remind Congress federal programs help NJ kids everyday.

Posted on February 21, 2017

This week (February 20-24), members of Congress will be on recess and back in their home districts.  This is the perfect time for them to hear from you and members of your community about how federal programs help kids and families! Look up your U.S. Representative here.

email-congress

send-tweet

 

 

Attend a town hall or public meeting hosted by your U.S. Representative. 

Wednesday, Feb 22, 2017

Leonard Lance, 7th District, Republican

Town Hall  7:00 PM
Raritan Valley Community College, Edward Nash Theater
118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

For more information, please call Congressman Lance’s district office at 908-788-6900 (Flemington) or 908-518-7733 (Westfield).

Thursday, Feb 23, 2017

Tom MacArthur, 3rd District, Republican

Tele-Town Hall 7:00 PM
Ask the Congressman on WOBM 92.7. Call in 732-237-9626.

Click here to learn more.

 

Donald Norcross, 1st District, Democrat

Town Hall 6:30 PM
Oaklyn Municipal Bldg- Court Room 500 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107

Click here to learn more.

 

Donald Payne, Jr., 10th District, Democrat

Coffee and Conversation 7:30 PM
Maplewood Municipal Bldg., 574 Valley Rd., Maplewood

Click here to learn more.

 

Saturday, Feb 25, 2017
Josh Gottheimer, 5th District, Democrat

Meet & Greet 9:30 AM
Hampton Diner, 36 Hampton House Rd., Newton

Meet & Greet 11:00 AM
Vernon Constituent Service Center, 21 Church St., Vernon, NJ 07462

 

Leonard Lance, 7th District, Republican

Town Hall 9:00 AM
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876

For more information, please call Congressman Lance’s district office at 908-788-6900 (Flemington) or 908-518-7733 (Westfield).

Sunday, Feb 26, 2017

Donald Payne, Jr., 10th District, Democrat

3:30 PM
Union Chapel AME Church, 209 Wainwright St., Newark

 

 

Monday, March 6, 2017

Donald Norcross, 1st District, Democrat

Town Hall 6:30 PM
Belmmawr Ballroom, 29 Lewis Ave., Bellmawr

 

 

 


Send a tweet to your representative. All it takes is one click!
Look up your U.S. Representative here.

[ctt title=”1st Congressional District: U.S. Rep Donald Norcross” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @DonaldNorcross” coverup=”6eZ3a”]

[ctt title=”2nd Congressional District: U.S. Rep Frank LoBiondo” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepLoBiondo” coverup=”7cZh2″]

[ctt title=”3rd Congressional District: U.S. Rep Tom MacArthur” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepTomMacArthur” coverup=”s2h96″]

[ctt title=”4th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Chris Smith” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepChrisSmith” coverup=”wB0mK”]

[ctt title=”5th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepJoshG” coverup=”aPckb”]

[ctt title=”6th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Frank Pallone” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @FrankPallone” coverup=”U8736″]

[ctt title=”7th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Leonard Lance” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepLanceNJ7″ coverup=”cWfyt”]

[ctt title=”8th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Albio Sires” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help 1000s of NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepSires” coverup=”Dqct1″]

[ctt title=”9th Congressional District: U.S. Rep William Pascrell” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @BillPascrell” coverup=”ecdeJ”]

[ctt title=”10th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Donald Payne, Jr.” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepDonaldPayne” coverup=”xMG55″]

[ctt title=”11th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Rodney Frelinghuysen” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @USRepRodney” coverup=”2dZcr”]

[ctt title=”12th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman” tweet=”Be a champion 4 kids! Federal programs help NJ kids everyday. #schoolmeals #childcare #preschool #healthcare #NJVotes4Kids @RepBonnie” coverup=”C4TQf”]

 


Tips for reaching out out to your representative:

  1. In-person > Calls > Letters. A person sitting in an office is harder to ignore than a phone call or a letter. Your Congressional Representative works for you. Make an appointment and be polite and kind when you meet with the Representative or their staff.
  2. Calls. If you call, you should be ready to provide your ZIP code and address to make sure you are part of their district. Your call should be short (aim for no more than 1 minute), polite, and to the point. This will make the call easier for you and for the person answering the call.
  3. Go where they are. Most Representatives have public schedules for town halls, public events, and call-in time on radio stations. Call their office and ask if they have upcoming events in your area.
  4. Tell your personal story. Organizations such as ACNJ can bring the numbers, such as how many kids benefit from a program or policy. But it’s only through the individual stories of constituents that Representatives get to know the real impact of federal policy on day-to-day life.

If you or your group would like to learn how to contact your elected representatives, ACNJ can help provide training on advocacy to elected officials.

New Jersey recognizes student attendance as a benchmark for school success!

Posted on February 17, 2017

ACNJ Blog

Cynthia Rice, Senior Policy Analyst
Cynthia Rice, Senior Policy Analyst

New Jersey’s Federal Education Plan Recognizes that Showing Up Matters

Students cannot learn when they are not in school. Yet each year, thousands of New Jersey students miss so many school days that their academic future is threatened. During the 2014-15 school year, 136,000 or 10 percent of our state’s K-12 students were considered “chronically absent,” meaning that they missed 10 percent or more days of instruction. All it takes is a few absences a month, every month to place a student’s educational future at risk.

Absences impact students at every grade level—from kindergarten through 12th grade, but children of color and children from low-income families have the highest rate of absences, making them more likely to fall behind.

When grades and attendance are two critical indicators to student success, one cannot improve without the other. That’s why it is so exciting that the New Jersey Department of Education has made improving student attendance a focus of its federal education plan. The new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), replaces the former education accountability law – No Child Left Behind, and allows states more flexibility to shape their education policies. Under ESSA, in its recent draft proposal, New Jersey has included chronic absenteeism as a benchmark for its accountability system for measuring school quality, climate and safety. The state’s proposed plan addresses the importance of attendance as a predictor of student success and requires schools that fall below attendance benchmarks to prepare a plan to reduce absences.

Improving attendance has long been overlooked as an educational strategy to enhance student performance. Some school administrators might feel it is beyond their control and there is little they can do to get kids to show up to class. But reducing absences is achievable.

When it comes to chronic absenteeism, what schools do matter. And we don’t have to look beyond our state borders to find school districts taking the lead. A number of schools are already using data to drive decisions and best practices. Interventions like providing mentors to at-risk students or incentives like pizza parties for best classroom attendance are just a few examples. Another key is cultivating a school climate that is both warm and engaging, so that kids want to come to class.

While there will always be students that remain chronically absent, the state’s bold step requires schools to be more intentional about how they identify students struggling with attendance and address it.  No education reform initiative will ever be successful if kids are not in school.  In the development of its federal education plan, New Jersey has taken a giant step in recognizing the strong link between attendance and academic achievement and the role schools have towards that end. This increased accountability provides students with the best chance to make chronic absenteeism a thing of the past.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Rice
Senior Policy Analyst

This Valentine’s Day, Remind Congress to Give Kids Some Love!

Posted on February 14, 2017

Did you know the federal school breakfast program serves 230,000 children every school day? In fact, New Jersey is now in the top 20 nationwide for ensuring that more low-income students start their school day with a healthy morning meal, according to a FRAC report released today.

Look up your Representative hereand share with Congress New Jersey’s tremendous progress in tackling child hunger.

[ctt title=”1st Congressional District: U.S. Rep Donald Norcross” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000 kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @DonaldNorcross” coverup=”hcslx”]

[ctt title=”2nd Congressional District: U.S. Rep Frank LoBiondo” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepLoBiondo ” coverup=”93y81″]

[ctt title=”3rd Congressional District: U.S. Rep Tom MacArthur” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program.#NJVotes4Kids @RepTomMacArthur” coverup=”fXz0f”]

[ctt title=”4th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Chris Smith ” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepChrisSmith” coverup=”qQ1uR”]

[ctt title=”5th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepJoshG” coverup=”dA2Tv”]

[ctt title=”6th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Frank Pallone” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @FrankPallone” coverup=”W3cAU”]

[ctt title=”7th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Leonard Lance” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepLanceNJ7″ coverup=”E0a6b”]

[ctt title=”8th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Albio Sires” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepSires” coverup=”ESUbz”]

[ctt title=”9th Congressional District: U.S. Rep William Pascrell” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @BillPascrell” coverup=”4jkNf”]

[ctt title=”10th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Donald Payne, Jr.” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepDonaldPayne” coverup=”96Es9″]

[ctt title=”11th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Rodney Frelinghuysen” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @USRepRodney” coverup=”reOyh”]

[ctt title=”12th Congressional District: U.S. Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman” tweet=”NJ now 19th for #schoolbreakfast. 229,000+ kids access healthy morning meals tx to federal #nutrition program. #NJVotes4Kids @RepBonnie” coverup=”wRsJI”]