Adler Supports Legislation That Invests In Local Economies And Protects Middle Class Families

Press Release

Adler Supports Legislation That Invests In Local Economies And Protects Middle Class Families

Congressman John Adler today voted in favor of the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill. This legislation makes vital investments in job training programs, supports health and transportation needs for our seniors, and provides the educational opportunities that are critical to our nation's long-term prosperity.

"In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we invest in programs that will help American's get back to work, continue their education, and care for their families," Congressman Adler said. "We must provide relief to hard-working Americans in a way that supports our local economies and puts our country back on the right track."

The Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill includes the following provisions that will protect our seniors, give back to our veterans, and invest in our economic development.

Nutrition and Other Services for Seniors: This program will boost nutrition, transportation, and other supportive services for elderly Americans. The funding will help provide nearly 239 million meals to 2.5 million seniors, an increase of approximately 3 million meals.

Supporting Seniors and the Disabled: This provision will help the Social Security Administration (SSA) address several challenges, including processing a rising number of retirement and disability claims, reducing the backlog of disability claims, and improving service to the public.

Veterans Employment and Training: This program will maximize employment and training opportunities for veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce, and to protect their employment rights. In addition, the program will launch the Centers of Excellence for Veterans Success initiative to establish college and university-based support centers for veterans seeking to obtain a post-secondary education.

Pell Grants: Pell Grants are the foundation of the federal government's commitment to ensure access to higher educational opportunities for all students by providing financial assistance. This bill increases the program to cover a $5,550 maximum Pell Grant in fiscal year 2010, an increase of $200 over the 2009 award level.

The bill also includes funding for capital equipment for the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center. This project will upgrade the ongoing cancer treatment program at Community Medical Center by purchasing the Varian Trilogy system, a machine that rotates 360 degrees around the patient to deliver radiotherapy treatments from many angles. The Trilogy accelerator has been enhanced for stereotactic applications that involve delivering higher doses of radiation to smaller areas over a shorter period of time.

In addition, Congressman Adler voted for an amendment to cut $803 million in excessive spending from the bill. Committed to fiscal responsibility, Congressman Adler has been the only New Jersey Democrat to vote against numerous spending bills and to cut more than $50.9 billion out of the federal budget.

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