It’s an honor to serve Camden County, the place I have called home my entire life. I wanted to share some updates from 2024 on the progress we’ve made in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our country and our communities.
One of my top priorities has been affordability for seniors and families. I was proud to support the law that has put a $35 cap on insulin for Medicare recipients. It also allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. Starting in January 2025, the first 10 drugs will be released, which will save seniors up to 80% on medications. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare Part D will be capped at $2,000 annually, giving seniors more financial security. Affordability for our families also means ensuring we get our fair share of federal funding.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have delivered a record number of federal funding to our district. This helps ease the tax burden on our local communities while funding vital projects. This includes $4.5 million for improved wastewater and stormwater management, $2.5 million for local police, $1.6 million for road safety upgrades, and $5 million for community spaces and trails being invested in South Jersey. Just this last year, I have delivered over $300 million in transportation funding throughout our communities. This includes the long-awaited opening of “Missing Moves” that connects Route 42 North to 295 South and so much more.
As an electrician, I have always believed that the best social program is a good-paying job. That’s why I fought and passed my ‘Buy America’ law that was signed by President Biden earlier this year. “Buy America” will create good-paying American jobs while securing our national defense and strengthening partnerships between our international allies and partners. I also worked to extend affordable childcare programs to ensure providers can remain open and continue serving families across the nation. In addition, I introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, which will help protect workers from unsafe quotas that impact their health and safety. I’ve also supported efforts to provide discounted internet services to low-income households through the Affordable Connectivity Program, and passed the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to make college more affordable for hardworking students.
Protecting our neighborhoods and our nation is critical for the safety of our families. That includes supporting our troops. In addition to securing a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, I’ve worked to fund defense-related research and innovation, including a $2.5 million investment at Rowan University for cutting-edge research in Arctic and cold region defense.
Camden County has made huge progress in combating the opioid epidemic, and I’ve been proud to be their federal partner, but I know we still have work to do. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that will allow doctors to prescribe and pharmacies to dispense methadone to individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. Additionally, I’ve secured $1.6 million in federal grants for Camden County to enhance local care and resources for those battling substance use disorder.
In the new year and new congress, I will continue to fight for you. I know that more needs to be done to help families who are struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to fight for good jobs, quality, affordable education and healthcare, and security in our nation, neighborhoods, and in retirement.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am honored to represent Camden County in Congress and remain committed to working hard every day to make sure your voices are heard and your needs are met. My office is available to help you handle problems you may face with federal agencies. Please visit my website or call my Cherry Hill office at (856) 427-7000 to see how we can best help you.