Photo by John Jones | For NJ Advance Media.
Amidst heavy news happening throughout the country and even Hudson County this past week, here’s some good, local opportunities that you can get involved with.
How New Jersey Is Retaliating Against NYC’s Congestion Pricing
New Jersey plans to keep their workers in state to avoid NYC’s congestion pricing–with a $20 million plan.
The Re-Assigning In-State Employees Program (NJ RISE) is meant to encourage eligible businesses to allow their New Jersey resident workers and staff to either work from home or be relocated to an in-state office with a provided grant.
Murphy established this grant program in 2023, after signing it into legislation, to help keep income tax revenue within the state.
“This would not only cut down on costs and travel time for commuters, but would keep their tax dollars in New Jersey,” said Gov. Murphy on Tuesday.
Businesses could receive grants up to $500,000 to reassign their New Jersey workers to nearby offices.
Eligibility to apply for this grant include:
- The business must have 25 or more domestic full-time employees.
- Business is principally located in another state that uses convenience of the employer income taxation rule such as: Delaware, Nebraska and New York.
- The business must submit an application to the NJEDA on or before July 1, 2028.
- The business must be in substantially good standing with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) and NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- The business must provide a current tax clearance certificate, which must be maintained through disbursement to demonstrate the applicant is properly registered to do business in NJ and in substantially good standing with the NJ Division of Taxation.
On Monday Jan. 20, Murphy sent a letter to President Donald Trump, asking for him to put a stop to the $9 toll.
“The current congestion pricing scheme is a disaster for working and middle-class New Jersey commuters and residents who need or want to visit lower Manhattan and now need to pay a big fee on top of the bridge and tunnel tolls they already pay,” stated Murphy. In the letter, Murphy reminded Trump that during his presidential campaign, he referred to congestion pricing as “a disaster for NYC.
Kearny Artists Wanted For New Program
The Lower Passaic River Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP), has collaborated with the Newark City Parks Foundation, Newark Arts and the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to offer a 13-month artist residency, which is expected to start around March.
The program looks to demonstrate how arts and culture can lead partners to work more with communities to build a better understanding of water quality and environmental concerns while also building a stronger connection between communities and their waterways. The Artist in Residence Program has a total budget of $72,000 which would helpsupport artist fees, supplies, fabrication, installation and documentation).
This is open to all artists including, visual, literary performing artists and people with connections to the waterfront communities of the Lower Passaic River, who are all encouraged to apply.
The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2025, and a letter of interest is required. For questions or more information, email eballadares@hudsonriver.org or visit the link here.
Community Crew To Clean Jersey City Streets Once A Week
Today, Jan. 26, a collective group of organizations, Jersey City natives, business owners and friends came together to clean up the neglected areas of their city.
The mission of the Jersey City community clean up is to promote community cleanliness, engage with residents and ensure a safer environment for the children. This cleanup will happen every Sunday for two hours, with plans to visit every ward and tackle the issue of litter and debris that can be hazardous to children in the area.
“Our goal is not only to clean up our community but also to inspire others to join us in keeping Jersey City beautiful.”
“By introducing the ‘Jersey City is Getting Rid of the Garbage’ our community clean-up campaign. We invite you to volunteer with us when you can, but for now, we’ll lead by example,” read a Facebook post posted by Juan Vasquez.
Calling All Soccer Fans! FIFA Is Looking For You To Volunteer
It’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan in New Jersey! Soccer fans across the country are ramping up for the FIFA World Cup to have games in New Jersey in 2026.
But before the World Cup excitement comes, the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to MetLife Stadium this year and they’re looking for volunteers.
Volunteer requirements include:
- Must be 18 years old by Jan. 1, 2025
- Must speak English but additional languages are a plus
- Must be a U.S. resident and lawful permanent resident
- Must attend in-person group recruitment event and complete applicable training if selected
You can sign up to be a tournament volunteer here.
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Kearny High School Is Asking For Your Donations
Kearny High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) are looking for donations of business casual and professional clothing.
The professional clothing options would help students attend professional office visits, job interviews and business competitions in proper attire.
“Your lightly used business casual or professional clothes can go a long way in helping our students. From blazers and sweaters to dress pants and accessories, every item you donate can provide professional outfits to those who need it in our school for professional office visits and business competitions. Together, we can make a positive impact in school our community,”ead a flyer that was posted on Facebook by one of Kearny High School’s teachers.
Donations will be accepted until Feb. 28 and can be dropped off at Kearny High School with attention to Ms. LaRossa or Ms. Marshall.
