Washington Leaders Must Protect Social Security During Debt Ceiling Debate

As Republicans and Democrats in Washington D.C. continue to bicker over the federal budget and the associated debt ceiling, I would like to encourage leaders in both parties to take no action that could harm the Social Security and Medicare benefits on which our seniors depend.

For more than four decades as an Ocean County Freeholder and now Commissioner, I have been a staunch advocate for our senior citizens.

Ocean County has one of the largest senior citizen populations in New Jersey and I have spent my public service career ensuring that our older residents receive all of the benefits they deserve.

Seniors are the heart of our county’s economy. But more importantly, they have earned a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. I have worked hard to keep our county government and our cost of living affordable. Now the federal government needs to do its part and ensure Social Security not only continues, but keeps up with inflation.

I have recently spoken to a number of our residents who are concerned that the political posturing surrounding the ongoing debt ceiling debate could target Social Security.

As a representative of our senior communities, I call on the Biden Administration and the leaders of both the House and Senate to consider no action that could in any way threaten Social Security benefits.

I feel that when a debate becomes so derisive, with both sides of the aisle posturing for headlines and support, our top-level elected officials sometime forget the fear that can trickle down to our residents.

It is a safe assumption that many people following the debt ceiling debate do not fully understands the long-term implications of raising or not raising the ceiling. They only want to know how the final decision will impact them. Will they pay more in taxes and interest? Will their benefits suffer?

Our elected federal officials, from the White House and Congress, need to step up and reassure our senior citizens that Social Security will be protected.

Among our many Ocean County seniors is one of the state’s largest populations of veterans. These brave men and women served in wars including World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Our veterans also need reassurance that the political wrangling in Washington D.C. sidesteps both Social Security and the critical VA benefits our heroes depend on.

Now is the time for the President and leaders of both houses to stop looking for headlines and instead look out for the interests of all citizens. Our national leaders were elected to serve all of the people, not just their respective political parties.

Joseph H. Vicari Director, Board of Commissioners

critical incident mapping in the remaining schools to ensure consistent mapping across the state, and to maintain the statewide database to ensure operational security of this data and provide access to the critical incident mapping information to first responders in all 21 New Jersey counties.

Since 1999, there have been at least 380 school shootings throughout America –with 46 school shootings taking place last year alone.

When the critical incident mapping initiative was first announced in August last year, first responders only had access to the mapping data of some of New Jersey’s thousands of public and private schools. Once the schematics for every New Jersey school building are collected, local law enforcement personnel will conduct annual walkthroughs of each building to ensure the mapping data is accurate and up-to-date.

The approximately $5.79 million in funding comes from remaining federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (CRRSA EANS) funds and American Rescue Plan (ARP) EANS funds that must be expended prior to the designated expiration dates. The Administration made the decision to redistribute the funds to the State Police to further enhance the security of New Jersey schools.

“We applaud Governor Murphy for once again working to ensure the safety of all children in the state,” said Rabbi Avi Schnall, Director of the New Jersey Office of Agudath Israel. “Security funding for non-public schools in New Jersey has increased significantly under Governor Murphy’s leadership and now provides the most funds per-pupil than any other state in the nation. During these uncertain times, it is comforting to know that should disaster strike, our local law enforcement agencies will be even more equipped to respond in a timely and safe manner.”

“We’re taking another significant step forward in protecting our students and teachers. With critical incident mapping and data analysis, along with additional investments in school security initiatives, we strengthen our efforts to safeguard against emergencies. Together, we’re dedicated to protecting our youth,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

“Our commitment to ensuring that our children and school personnel are safe will always be a top priority in our mission to protect and serve. The critical incident mapping initiative will undoubtedly assist law enforcement during emergent times by providing first responders with an additional tool to work more quickly and more efficiently,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The additional funding represents another step towards making our schools safer and I applaud Governor Murphy for taking these steps aimed at securing schools in New Jersey.”

“By utilizing cutting-edge technology for mapping school facilities, we continue our efforts to provide our students with the safest learning environment possible,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education.