Bipartisan Bill Would Promote Medical Research

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced an updated version of the Breakthrough Therapies Act. This legislation will remove regulatory hurdles that inhibit research and compassionate use access to potentially lifesaving treatments that are heavily restricted by Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

In recent years, two substances currently classified as Schedule I drugs - MDMA and psilocybin - have shown exceptional promise in treating an array of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant suicidal depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The initial research has been so promising that the FDA has designated MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapies as “breakthrough therapies,” meaning that they demonstrate substantial improvement over any currently available treatments.

However, due to the Schedule I status of MDMA and psilocybin, unnecessary red tape hinders critical research and access to treatment even for patients with terminal or life-threatening conditions. The Breakthrough Therapies Act would resolve these problems by expediting the transfer of substances that receive breakthrough therapy designation from Schedule I to Schedule II, which – with DEA oversight – will enable patient access and reduce the burden on further clinical investigation.

“According to recent studies, certain Schedule I substances such as MDMA and psilocybin could offer major advancements in the treatment of depression, severe post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction,” said Senator Booker. “This bill will eliminate unreasonably burdensome rules and regulations that delay or prevent researchers from studying these breakthrough mental health treatments, and will provide access to these promising therapies for eligible patients who urgently need care.”

“As a physician, I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with Senator Booker to get the government out of the way and expand compassionate medical use for patients in need of care,” said Dr. Paul.

“We urge Congress to swiftly pass the Breakthrough Therapies Act, which responsibly reduces the barriers to research and limited access of potentially life-saving treatments like MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy,” said Martin R. Steele, a retired Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps., and President of Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition. “Veterans should not be forced (nor should anyone else) to leave the country - at great expense - to access breakthrough therapies that can be safely provided and further studied in real-world settings here at home.”

State And Local Tax Deduction Needs To Return

Capitol Comments

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, questioned witnesses during a hearing entitled, “Tax Policy’s Role in Increasing Affordable Housing Supply for Working Families” about the impact the $10,000 state and local tax (SALT) cap has on middle class families.

“The 2017 Republican Tax Law gutted this essential deduction, not for large corporations, but for families - forcing them to be double-taxed and punishing states with progressive tax codes that choose to invest in their communities,” said Sen. Menendez. “New Jersey has some of the best schools in the nation, it has a vast infrastructure system in terms of transportation – these are all elements that make it a desirable state to live in.”

“Historians like Andrew Kahrl at the University of Virginia have found Black and Hispanic households have been subject to higher property tax assessments than their White counterparts,” said Sen. Menendez.

“The SALT deduction has been vital in providing relief from unjust tax assessments, which is why the NAACP passed a resolution in support of lifting the cap. I’m going to continue to revisit this issue until we get it right.”

Sen. Menendez also questioned witnesses about what it would mean for the development of new multifamily buildings if Congress increased Low Income Housing Tax Credit’s (LIHTC) value and total amount of credits as outlined in the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, of which he has previously cosponsored.

“So as a nation we have to find ways to build more affordable homes, and part of that solution should come from our new investments, but we also need to make maximally effective use of existing tools, such as the bipartisan Low Income

Housing Tax Credit which subsidizes the creation of 100,000 units of affordable housing a year, but I think it has the potential to do even more,” added Sen. Menendez.

The Senator highlighted the proven track record Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) have of delivering financing for the development of affordable housing in underserved communities. This is the reason Sen. Menendez led the effort to establish the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, which enables the CDFIs to execute large scale development programs.

Sen. Menendez urged his colleagues to join in strongly supporting funding for CDFIs as the deal with the FY2024 appropriations.

Visit Website For Schedule

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(12 AND UNDER): $8

SKATE RENTALS: $5 | WALKERS: $5

The Ice Palace

• 197 Chambers Bridge Rd • Brick, NJ 08723 (609) 755-5885 • theicepalace.net

Local Pets Available For Adoption

Package

Package includes: 2-Hr Memorial Visitation (during regular business hours) a complimentary select Urn, removal from Hospital or Facility with-in 25 miles of Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01.

BRICK – Tinsel: single female seeks single pet home! Playful, happy and super sweet! Only a year old, Tinsel loves her toys, she likes to be held, a great friend for a first time

─Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center cat owner.

You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

Kitchens By The Sea Tour

BAY HEAD – Visit amazing kitchens in lovely homes located in Bay Head and Mantoloking on September 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In each home, enjoy tasty bites provided by local chefs and caterers and admire floral and table arrangements created by local florists and designers. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at bayheadschoolfoundation.org/kitchens-bythe-sea.html beginning on April 1.

For more information, visit the event website or email Christie@bayheadschoolfoundation. org. Sponsored by the Bay Head School Foundation to benefit the students of the Bay Head School.

Annual Hero Awards

BRICK – This year’s Annual Hero Awards will be held on March 31 at 7 p.m. at Brick Township High School, 346 Chambers Bridge Road. This event honors Brick residents and businesses that exhibit a remarkable effort to make the community a better place. The event is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee and will include performances by local school choirs, theatre groups, dance teams, and more. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.