"Welcome 2024 with Optimism"

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Bienvenido 2024 con optimismo"

Querido(a) Jazz,

Al amanecer del nuevo año, es un momento para que nosotros, los residentes de Plainfield, miremos hacia adelante con optimismo y un renovado sentido de comunidad. El año pasado, con sus desafíos y triunfos, nos ha mostrado la resiliencia y la fuerza inherentes a nuestra ciudad. Como su alcalde, estoy lleno de orgullo y esperanza al entrar en este nuevo capítulo, listos para aprovechar las oportunidades y superar los obstáculos que tenemos por delante.

La diversidad de nuestra ciudad no es sólo una estadística; es un tapiz vibrante que enriquece todos los aspectos de la vida en Plainfield. El próximo año, continuaremos celebrando y apoyando esta diversidad a través de una serie de eventos seleccionados de la ciudad. Estas reuniones no son sólo eventos; son un testimonio de nuestro compromiso con la inclusión y el respeto mutuo. Al participar no sólo estamos disfrutando sino también fortaleciendo los lazos que nos unen como comunidad. Tendremos festivales que reflejen nuestra herencia multicultural, talleres que fomenten el diálogo y la comprensión, y conciertos que nos unan en la alegría y la apreciación de las artes.

Apoyar a la comunidad va más allá de asistir a eventos. Se trata de estar ahí el uno para el otro en momentos de necesidad y celebración. En 2024, nos centraremos en iniciativas que apoyen a las empresas locales, mejoren nuestra comunidad artística y mejoren la seguridad pública. Estos esfuerzos tienen como objetivo garantizar que todos los residentes de Plainfield se sientan seguros, escuchados y valorados. Trabajando juntos, podemos crear un entorno donde todos tengan la oportunidad de prosperar.

El compromiso es fundamental para una comunidad próspera. Animo a todos los residentes de Plainfield a participar, ya sea como voluntarios, asistiendo a las reuniones del concejo municipal o simplemente manteniéndose informados sobre los problemas locales. Su voz es crucial para dar forma al futuro de nuestra ciudad. El año siguiente, también introduciremos nuevas plataformas para la participación y los comentarios de la comunidad, lo que facilitará que todos expresen su opinión y contribuyan al proceso de toma de decisiones.

Al mirar hacia el nuevo año, recordemos que nuestra fuerza radica en nuestra unidad y nuestra voluntad de aceptar el cambio y el crecimiento. Juntos, podemos hacer de Plainfield no sólo un lugar para vivir sino un lugar para prosperar, una comunidad que se erija como un faro de esperanza, inclusión y progreso. Iniciemos este nuevo año con optimismo, sabiendo que cada uno de nosotros desempeña un papel vital en el tapiz que hace que Plainfield sea verdaderamente extraordinario.





#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

This program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who own or rent property in New Jersey as their principal residence and meet certain income limits. The current filing season for the ANCHOR benefit is based on 2020 residency, income, and age.

Homeowners age 65 and older making up to $150,000 annually are now able to receive benefits totaling $1,750. For homeowners ages 65 and older making more than $150,000 and up to $250,000 annually, benefits now total $1,250. Renters age 65 and older making up to $150,000 are now eligible to receive $700.

For homeowners under 65, benefits remain $1,500 for those making up to $150,000 annually, and $1,000 for those making more than $150,000 and up to $250,000 annually. Renters under 65 making up to $150,000 annually remain eligible for a $450 benefit.

Filing Deadline

You have until Friday, December 29, 2023, to file an application.

Payments will continue to be issued on a rolling basis. Most applicants can expect to receive their payment approximately 90 days after filing the application unless we request additional information to process your claim.

Check the status of your benefit.

How to Apply

Taxpayers who received a green or purple filing packet  should follow the instructions in the packet to apply for their benefit. If you meet the qualifications for the benefit based on 2020 residency, income, and age eligibility - but you did not receive a packet from us - you may still apply for the program.

Homeowners. Most homeowners may file online or by phone with an identification number (ID) and PIN. However, if you bought your home in 2020, altered your deed, or had certain life changes such as a divorce or death of a spouse, you must file an application by mail.

Renters. Renters may file using the online option. They do not need an ID and PIN

Scam Alert

Scammers often send you texts or emails to steal your identity. We will never initiate a text exchange to request personally identifiable information regarding your ANCHOR benefit. Contact us directly before providing personal information in response to communications you receive claiming to be related to the ANCHOR program. Visit our Scams page for more information.

Thursday, December 21, 2023 - In a gesture of community warmth and appreciation, the City of Plainfield hosted a heartfelt Christmas dinner for veterans at Dudley House in Plainfield, NJ. The festive event provided a festive backdrop for veterans to come together, sharing stories and creating new memories. Against the backdrop of the Dudley House, the city united to express gratitude for the service of these brave individuals, reminding everyone that the holiday spirit is about giving back and fostering connections that extend beyond the season. It was a touching occasion, echoing the true essence of Christmas in the spirit of generosity and camaraderie.

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Plainfield’s local Police Benevolent Association (PBA) #19 and the Firefighter Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) #7 spread joy at the annual toy drive hosted at Plainfield's Public Library.

Our incredible members joined forces to share the happiness, distributing over 500 toys to the children of Plainfield. From adorable baby toys to trendy teenage gadgets, there was something for every age group.

Picture this: children selecting their own special toy, strolling through the room, and capturing memorable moments with Santa Claus himself. But that's not all – the festive gathering included an arts and craft station, ensuring creativity flourished, along with delectable food and refreshments for all attending families.

The PBA #19 and the FMBA #7 extend warm wishes to the Plainfield community and wishes all a truly magical and joy-filled Holiday season!

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the “Blue Hearts, Warm Coats” initiative, in partnership with the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation, with the support of the Union County Police Department, and Union County Police Chiefs Association, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Chairman’s theme, “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“The harsh winter conditions pose a particular challenge for residents in need of warmth. With the collection of these generous donations and the support of our county and local police departments, we are committed to ensuring that individuals facing the cold has access to a coat,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Together, we are reinforcing giving back and the notion that by taking care of each other, we truly elevate the spirit of our Union County community.”

Under this program, children’s, women’s, and men’s coats will be distributed by county and municipal law enforcement officers across their towns through the Union County Police Department and the Union County Chiefs Association.

This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of the community but also fosters a sense of collaboration and trust between residents and law enforcement. By having county and municipal officers actively involved in the distribution process, it creates opportunities for positive interactions that go beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

“It is with great pride that the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation join forces with Union County to collect more than 500 winter coats to be distributed to the county’s most vulnerable population,” said Fernanda Correia, President of the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation. “Working together, this initiative highlights the strong commitment of Union County’s leadership in ensuring an improved quality of life for every resident, regardless of their circumstances.”

“The Union County Police Chiefs Association is thrilled to once again collaborate with the County of Union and now, the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation for this significant initiative,” said Chief Giacomo Sacca, Union County Police Chiefs Association President and Elizabeth Police Chief. “This program embodies law enforcement’s commitment to community service and allows us to contribute to a meaningful cause. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.”

Union County would like to especially thank its donors for making this initiative possible, including Helpsy, Northfield Bank, DIGroup Architecture, MGE, Jack’s Laundromat, MLB Mortgage, Santander Bank, Lewis Environment Consulting Group, and Kidstown in Elizabeth.

“This program not only enhances our ability to serve and protect but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve in Union County,” said Martin Mogensen, Chief of the Union County Police Department. “We will continue to work together to create a safer, warmer, and more compassionate environment for all residents.”

For more information about this initiative or other programs and services through Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org.  

Maximum Benefit Rate and Taxable Wage Base for Unemployment, Family Leave, Temporary Disability, Workers’ Comp Also Set to Rise 



TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey is set to become one of a handful of states with a minimum wage of at least $15/hour on January 1, 2024 when the rate increases to $15.13/hour, surpassing the goal set by Governor Murphy and the Legislature in 2019. 

The increase affects about 350,000 of New Jersey’s roughly 1.9 million hourly workers. Many non-hourly employees will also see at least an indirect benefit from the statewide increase that applies to most workers. 

“Raising the minimum wage has been a top priority of mine since day one,” said Governor Murphy. “There is no doubt that inflation has had an impact on every New Jerseyan. Now that we are close to surpassing the $15 per hour milestone, it’s important that we continue to ensure that everyone working in New Jersey has access to a livable wage.” 

“Raising and aggressively enforcing the minimum wage signals to employers and workers alike that New Jersey values its workforce,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “While our Department’s Workforce efforts try to ensure workers receiving minimum wage are only doing so for a small part of their career, this is a proud moment for New Jersey as we become one of the few of states with a minimum wage above $15 an hour that will continue to be adjusted each year for inflation." 

Under the law, some employers are allotted more time to reach the $15/hour minimum wage. For example, seasonal employers and businesses with six or fewer employees have until 2026 to pay their workers at least $15/hour. The minimum hourly wage for these employees will increase to $13.73/hour on January 1, up from $12.93/hour. 

Agricultural workers are guided by a separate minimum wage timetable and were given until 2027 to reach the $15/hour minimum wage. Employees who work on a farm for an hourly or piece-rate wage will see their minimum hourly wage increase by 80 cents to $12.81/hour, up from $12.01/hour. Additionally, long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum wage rise by $1, to $18.13/hour. 

Tipped workers’ cash wage will remain at $5.26/hour, with employers able to claim a $9.87 tip credit, an increase of $1. If the minimum cash wage plus an employee’s tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, the employer must pay the employee the difference. Read more about the rights and protections of tipped workers here. 

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) sets the minimum wage for the coming year using either the rate specified in the law or a calculation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is higher. The state Constitution specifies that the minimum wage will continue to be adjusted annually based on the CPI. 

NJDOL also announced changes in the maximum benefit rates and taxable wage base for its Unemployment Insurance (UI), Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Family Leave Insurance (FLI), and Workers’ Compensation programs. 

Starting on January 1, the maximum weekly benefit amount for UI beneficiaries increases to $854, from $830. The maximum weekly benefit for state plan TDI and FLI claims increases to $1,055, from $1,025, while the maximum weekly benefit for Workers’ Compensation rises to $1,131, from $1,099. 

The maximum benefit rates and the taxable wage base are recalculated each year based on the statewide average weekly wage, under the laws governing these programs. The benefit rates and taxable wage base for 2024 reflect the $1,507.76 average weekly wage for 2022, which rose by 2.9 percent from $1,465.18 in 2021. 

The level of wages subject to wage taxes in 2024 increases to $42,300 for employers covered under the Temporary Disability Insurance program and for workers and employers covered under the Unemployment Insurance program, the Workforce Development Partnership Program, and the Supplemental Workforce Fund for Basic Skills. 

The taxable wage base for workers covered under the Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance programs increases to $161,400 for 2024. 

Click here for more information on TDI/FLI or UI, or see the chart below showing the 2023 rates and the changes taking place on January 1. 

The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and Affordable Care Act coverage is more affordable than ever. More Americans have signed up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces than ever before. With nearly a month left in open enrollment, more than 19 million people have signed up for coverage, breaking all previous records. Enrollment has grown by more than 7 million people since I took office. 

Thanks to policies I signed into law, millions of Americans are saving hundreds or thousands of dollars on health insurance premiums. Right now, four out five Americans who sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act can find health care coverage for $10 a month or less.

Extreme Republicans want to stop these efforts in their tracks. While I’ve called for making lower premiums permanent, they’ve repeatedly pushed to repeal my Affordable Care Act improvements. That would raise costs for millions of people, especially older Americans and small business owners who rely on the marketplace for their coverage. And that’s just a stepping stone toward Republicans’ larger plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, just as my predecessor repeatedly tried and failed to do. At every turn, extreme Republicans continue to side with special interests to keep prescription drug prices high and to deny millions of people health coverage.

I won’t let that happen on my watch. My Administration will continue fighting to expand health coverage and lower prescription drug costs for all – because every family deserves the dignity and peace of mind that comes with health insurance. And I’ll continue to encourage all Americans to visit HealthCare.gov before January 16th, 2024 to sign up for health coverage for this coming year.

click "whitehouse.gov" bottom to read more

Use the app, or text

"reportit" to 63975

Questions or Concerns? Reach us at:

Call: 908.753.3015

Email: communications@plainfieldnj.gov 

|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|

515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|

Volume 12 - Issue 4