Property Tax Relief

Op-Ed

Property Tax Relief

Dear Friend,

New Jersey homeowners face the highest property taxes in the country, according to a 2006 study by the Tax Foundation. According to recent statistics, 600,000 New Jersey homeowners (among 30 million throughout the country) currently do not claim an itemized deduction for those taxes. Those homeowners now will benefit from a new property tax reduction that I helped write into the housing legislation that President Bush signed into law last Wednesday.

Under the bill, single-filing property taxpayers will be able to take an additional standard deduction of $500 and joint-filers will be able to deduct $1,000 for state and local property taxes paid. Among the economic challenges millions of New Jerseyans and Americans face during this downturn - along with rising gas prices, food costs and college tuition - is high property taxes. This initiative will provide some relief to families struggling with rising property taxes.

Fighting for Equality in the Armed Forces

In my previous newsletter, the eGenda, I highlighted the Congressional observation of the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman's Executive Order that led to the integration of the Armed Forces. Reflecting on the improvements in our society and our military resulting from President Truman's order, I was struck by the parallels with the present-day status of gay and lesbian soldiers.

One day later, a subcommittee of the House Committee on the Armed Forces held a hearing on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy - the first time a Congressional committee has considered the policy since it was enacted 15 years ago. Among those testifying were two gay former service members who argued that unit cohesion would not be hurt if gays and lesbians openly served in the military. They argued further that people of great skill, great dedication, and great patriotism are forced out of our military.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a failed policy and it is time for Congress to end it. I am a cosponsor of H.R.1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, legislation sponsored by my colleague Representative Ellen Tauscher that would repeal the current Department of Defense policy and prohibit discrimination against any person seeking to join the Armed Forces or any person serving in the Armed Forces.

News about Unemployment Benefits

On June 30, President Bush signed the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which will provide a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for 3.5 million Americans - 230,000 New Jersey residents - who are looking for work and who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) has begun to contact individuals about their eligibility for the extended benefits. If you did not receive a notice of potential eligibility in the mail and believe you qualify for the extended benefits, you can print out the application form and return by mail to the LWD. Find out more information click here.

During challenging economic times, the federal government often has extended unemployment benefits. Doing so not only provides relief to those currently unemployed, but it also helps stimulate the economy. According to the Congressional Budget Office, every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand.

Previously, I wrote to you about my Online Job Training legislation to bolster the availability of home-based training programs as part of the Workforce Investment Act. I will continue to push for the bill's passage as another way to help workers in Central New Jersey.

Sincerely,

RUSH HOLT
Member of Congress
P.S. Just a reminder: I always want to hear from you, but please don't reply to this e-mail. Instead, please email me through my website at www.holt.house.gov, or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT (1-877-874-4658) to let me know what's on your mind. Please also note that you may unsubscribe from this list by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.

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