State of New Jersey secondary Archives: on Technology

Albio Sires: Hudson-Bergen Light Rail has improved quality of life

"Ask anyone living and working along the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and you'll hear countless stories of how it has improved quality of life and generated new business opportunities along the route," Rep. Sires said. "When it comes to transportation, when you build it, people really do come. Investing in our infrastructure is good for both the economy and the environment."

The federal lawmakers also urged their colleagues in Washington to pass a long-term fix to fully fund the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which will go bankrupt in this summer, reducing or slowing reimbursements to states for critical highway repairs and transit projects.

Bill Pascrell: Resources to expand aging transportation infrastructure

"Not only does investing in infrastructure create good paying jobs for our construction industry, it lays the foundation for economic growth for generations to come," said Rep. Pascrell. "We need not only dedicate resources to maintain our aging transportation infrastructure, but we must expand that system, especially by creating more transit options here in northern New Jersey. Both Congress and the State of New Jersey have ignored this problem for far too long, and it's past time we found a long-term solution to this crisis."

The federal lawmakers also urged their colleagues in Washington to pass a long-term fix to fully fund the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which will go bankrupt in this summer, reducing or slowing reimbursements to states for critical highway repairs and transit projects.

Bonnie Watson Coleman: Support Net Neutrality: keep the internet open

The proposed rules by the FCC are just the opposite. They would let large corporations pay more to get faster service. They put the consumers up for sale and essentially wipe out all the little guys trying to make it on their own. It puts those with the most money in control of the content that WE want to access.

Net neutrality is an essential principle that impacts our daily lives as we enter into a more high-speed, technologically driven 21st century. All internet service providers should be disseminating content on par with everyone else, regardless of their ability to write a big check. In Congress, Bonnie Watson Coleman will keep the internet open.

Cory Booker: We can't afford to ignore aging infrastructure anymore

"Even in a divided Washington, infrastructure investment shouldn't be a partisan issue," said Sen. Booker. "I believe we can unite Republicans and Democrats around this issue and get something done. We can't afford to ignore the aging infrastructure of our country and our state anymore. Failing to make the necessary developments in infrastructure is not only crippling our competitiveness in a global economy, it's crippling hard-working New Jerseyans' opportunities to excel here at home. I will continue to work for long-term investment in infrastructure that creates jobs, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of our public transportation."

The federal lawmakers also urged their colleagues in Washington to pass a long-term fix to fully fund the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which will go bankrupt in this summer.

Cory Booker: Protect critical infrastructure from cyberattack

We need new ways to protect the computer-connected systems that keep lights on and banks open. Years ago we decided that physical security--fences and cameras -- around sensitive sites like power plants was essential. Yet there is no requirement, or even voluntary standard, for putting virtual fences around the computers that run these facilities.

When critical infrastructure is attacked or essential data is stolen, companies need a clear way to report it to civilian authorities so that government has a picture of the threats and other companies can protect themselves from similar attacks.

Cory Booker: Technology empowers individuals but creates diverse threats

Cory Booker: Fix crumbling rail & road with National Infrastructure Bank

American rail infrastructure, once considered the best in the world, now ranks eighteenth, plagued by congested choke points and crossings that force trains to travel at inefficient low speeds.

This has real economic consequences: a weak national infrastructure not only raises production costs and reduces productivity for American businesses, but also discourages foreign investment and development. We can create jobs and strengthen our infrastructure for decades to come by creating a national infrastructure bank that leverages public funding to increase private investment in American roads, bridges, airports, marine ports and other assets

Cory Booker: Invest in Next-Gen air traffic; broadband, and smart grid

• Increase funding for Next Gen Satellite-based airplane traffic control system: A safe and efficient air travel system is central to our economy. But the US air traffic control system--a ground-based, radar system developed in the 1950s--has not been upgraded in decades. With Next-Gen GPS-based technology, businesses can count on a faster and more reliable air transport system.
• Bring broadband to underserved urban and rural communities: Nearly 19 million Americans are without broadband internet access. This is unacceptable in today's interconnected society. The internet unlocks worlds of opportunity, and no one should be deprived of the key.
• Create a national smart grid: Upgrading our electric grid to allow businesses, homes, and other end users to send energy use data back to utilities increases resiliency and stability, and can empower businesses and consumers to use energy more efficiently. Smart grid spending also generates a more than two-to-one return on investment.

Donald Payne Jr.: Smart investments in infrastructure critical to economy

"Smart investments in our infrastructure are critical to public safety and economic growth," said Rep. Payne. This is particularly true in New Jersey, where our decaying infrastructure leads to increased driving accidents and limits the movement of commerce throughout the densely-populated Northeast region. Expanding the Hudson-Bergen light rail line to Bergen County and Jersey City's West Side is an important step toward meeting our infrastructure needs, improving commuter safety, and generating economic growth throughout our state."

The federal lawmakers also urged their colleagues in Washington to pass a long-term fix to fully fund the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which will go bankrupt in this summer, reducing or slowing reimbursements to states for critical highway repairs and transit projects.

Hirsh Singh: Potholes have become a de facto tax on citizens

Josh Gottheimer: Each dollar of infrastructure spending benefits us by $2

Right now, because the Hudson Tunnel into New York City is 88 years old and in massive disrepair after Hurricane Sandy, NJ Transit riders face service disruptions and erratic train schedules between Secaucus and Penn Station on the weekends due to track repairs. We can't attract new residents and businesses when our roads, tunnels and bridges are crumbling.

There are clear economic benefits to improving our infrastructure. Studies have shown that each dollar of infrastructure spending increases the gross state product by two dollars. Moreover, fixing infrastructure helps attract new residents, businesses, and raises property values. Most important, it allows us to go home earlier to tuck our kids into bed.

Josh Gottheimer: Invest in light rail & new tunnel via one-time corporate tax

Kim Guadagno: Infrastructure plan without gas tax or toll increases

Implement Transportation Solutions: Instead of massive gas tax hikes and toll increases, New Jersey must develop a sustainable, long-term infrastructure plan to fund our state's urgent infrastructure needs.

Kim Guadagno: Get NY tax dollars spent on bi-state transportation

Phil Murphy: Share congestion pricing revenue between NYC and NJ

Under the plan, drivers using the Lincoln Tunnel and Holland Tunnel would receive a credit based on what they pay in tolls. However, no break would be offered to motorists taking the George Washington Bridge, as noted by Gov. Phil Murphy in a letter to N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Murphy, in his letter to Cuomo, asked Cuomo to consider sharing some of the revenue with NJ Transit and PATH. According to AAA Northeast, which opposes the plan, 80% of the revenues will go toward the subways. The Long Island and Metro-north railroads each would get 10 percent [while NJ transit would get none]. Cuomo had not publicly responded as of Monday afternoon.

Phil Murphy: Transit system must know where it's going

Phil Murphy: We're closing the digital divide for schoolchildren

Phil Murphy: Joint venture with Israel for technological R&D

Robert Menendez: Investing in infrastructure revitalizes neighborhoods

"Investing in our infrastructure is about more than just getting people from Point A to Point B. It will spark neighborhood revitalization, attracting thousands of new residents who want to live in a transit-accessible, walkable community," said Sen. Menendez. "It's time for us to stop just talking about these projects, and start putting New Jersey to work building them."

The federal lawmakers also urged their colleagues in Washington to pass a long-term fix to fully fund the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which will go bankrupt in this summer, reducing or slowing reimbursements to states for critical highway repairs and transit projects.

Robert Menendez: Net Neutrality avoids higher prices

Robert Hugin (R): No stand found.

Robert Menendez (D): Yes. Otherwise higher prices & higher barriers to small business.

Seth Kaper-Dale: Infrastructure investment tied to environment

Steve Fulop: Light Rail is tremendous asset for economic development

"The Light Rail has been a tremendous asset for expanding economic development in Jersey City, where we are currently experiencing record construction and job growth that outpaces the state and the nation," said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. "A full expansion of the Light Rail into Bergen County, as well as on Jersey City's west side, would spur additional economic growth and create thousands of jobs for New Jerseyans. We thank Senators Menendez and Booker, as well as Congressmen Sires, Payne and Pascrell for recognizing the need to fund this important project and look forward to working with them to bring these infrastructure funds to northern New Jersey."

Steve Fulop: Congestion pricing leads to "race to zero" for NYC vs. NJ

"We can do the same thing," Fulop said, adding that, rather than engaging in a "race to zero for both sides," he would rather see New York working with New Jersey on long-term transportation planning. Problem is, all of the revenues will be going toward New York, not to additional trains and infrastructure improvements in New Jersey.

This concerns Fulop. "There's a lot of different-type transit issues that are under-funded, not just the MTA," Fulop said, referring to the agency that oversees the subways.

Under the plan, drivers using the Lincoln Tunnel and Holland Tunnel would receive a credit based on what they pay in tolls. However, no break would be offered to motorists taking the George Washington Bridge.