OCEAN TOWNSHIP – Senator Vin Gopal joined Assembly Members Houghtaling and Downey to announce a combined $2 million in funding allotted to Monmouth County community organizations, nonprofits, and programs under the State Legislature’s new proposed budget.
“These millions of dollars in investment and supportive services have the power to stimulate our economy, revitalize our area’s cultural and historical landmarks, and improve protections for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Gopal (D-Long Branch).
“From $1 million for new infrastructure at Fort Monmouth to tens of thousands of dollars for children in Tinton Falls and volunteering programs in Freehold, this funding package is a win for every person in New Jersey’s 11th District.”
The funding would go to a diverse array of recipients, including programs for historical preservation, animal welfare and control, community recreation, and educational funding. The budget package includes $750 thousand in funding for Monmouth County’s first LGBTQ-focused health clinic, located in Asbury Park, as well as $250 thousand for the restoration of the Saint James Chapel in Long Branch.
Additional funding will go toward the Monmouth County SPCA’s Trap-Neuter-Release initiative; Interfaith Neighbors’ “Meals on Wheels” program which feeds isolated or struggling seniors; and the Monmouth-Ocean Foundation for Children School, which is located in Tinton Falls.
“We’re glad to have fought for the inclusion of these funds for our constituents, and we’re already excited to see how these new investments would improve the quality of life in our area,” said Houghtaling (D-Neptune). “A new university campus at Fort Monmouth has the potential to spark an economic renaissance from Eatontown to Tinton Falls, and I’ve seen firsthand how charitable organizations like Interfaith Neighbors are able to help our vulnerable residents with funds like these.”
“No matter what, we’re committed to fighting to make sure that every one of our residents gets a fair shake and a seat at the table during budget season,” Downey (D-Freehold) said. “As our constituents’ voices in Trenton, we know that we need to work our hardest to bring back critical investments and funds to spur our local economies and make our communities better places to live. We’re confident that this new budget package does exactly that, and we’re going to keep fighting to see it signed into law.”
The proposed budget items have now been approved by both the State Senate and General Assembly as part of the FY2020 State budget. The budget now awaits the Governor’s signature for final approval.