Robert Menendez

TEACHER APPRECIATION NOMINATIONS

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation week from May 2 to May 8, I want to recognize educators in New Jersey who go the extra mile to make a difference in their students’ lives.  If you would like to nominate your teacher or coach, please click on the link below and tell me in one page or less how this person has made a difference in your life.  The most compelling stories will be highlighted on our website and be given a special award.  This competition is open to all New Jersey students and their parents, so please email your stories to me today! TeacherAppreciation@menendez.senate.gov

SENATOR MENENDEZ TOUTS PROPOSED FEDERAL FUND WITH MORE THAN $600 MILLION TO KEEP N.J. TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOM

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and New Jersey educators discussed legislation that would help ensure that thousands of teachers can remain in the classroom.  The “Keep Our Educators Working Act” would create a $23 billion Education Jobs Fund to prevent teacher and education job losses – the fund would include more than $600 million for New Jersey teachers.

SENATOR MENENDEZ ADVOCATES FOR WALL STREET REFORM ON MSNBC WITH CHRIS MATTHEWS

EXTENSION OF PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROVISION ORIGINALLY AUTHORED BY MENENDEZ PASSES SENATE

The U.S. Senate extended a property tax relief law originally authored by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Taxpayer homeowners who do not itemize deductions – many of whom are fixed income seniors – would receive an additional tax deduction of up to $1,000 for local property taxes. This tax deduction is currently in place for 2009, and under the extension, it will now apply to 2010 taxes as well.

MENENDEZ HAILS HEALTH INSURANCE LAW: "THE BENEFITS TOUCH EVERY GROUP THAT HAS STRUGGLED WITH INSURANCE COSTS AND DENIALS"

• Bars health insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
• Prohibits abusive practices whereby health insurance companies rescind existing health insurance policies when a person gets sick.
• Provides dependent coverage for children to continue on their parents plan until age 26.
• Prohibit insurers from imposing lifetime limits on benefits.

$52.4 MILLION FOR NJ TRANSIT IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDING TO CREATE POTENTIALLY THOUSANDS OF JOBS

In the wake of NJ Transit’s announcement of fare increases and service cuts on Friday, Menendez announced details of $52.4 million for NJ Transit from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will help make commutes more efficient, relieve state budget pressures and generate an estimated 4,000 jobs.