Smith announces $24 million for CD-4 colleges and career institutes

Colleges and career institutes in New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District will receive $24 million in emergency COVID-19 funding from the CARES Act, the $2 trillion stimulus bill to help communities devastated by the coronavirus pandemic signed by President Trump on March 27, according to an announcement from Congressman Chris Smith.

Brookdale Community College will received the largest grant in CD-4 at
at $6.3 million. Ocean County College will receive $4.2 million, Mercer County College $3.8 million, Beth Medrash Govoha of America $5.8 million and Georgian Court nearly $1.7 million.

The $24 million on its way to educational facilities in or near Smith’s district is part of a broader $238 million award to colleges across the state which was announced today by the U.S. Department of Education—following a bipartisan letter by the New Jersey congressional delegation which Rep. Smith cosigned with his NJ colleagues in the House and which was led by NJ’s two senators.

“Our students and colleges have seen immense financial challenges due to the coronavirus outbreak across America,” said Smith (NJ-04), who spoke on the floor in support of quick passage of the CARES Act. “This funding will help stabilize the higher education system which has been turned upside down in this health crisis. It’s good news from Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for our higher learning educational system in New Jersey.”

The CARES Act is the third and the largest phase of the federal response enacted into law. Smith supported Phase I, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020—which provided $8.3 billion for treatment and prevention measures in NJ. Phase II, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act—provided paid sick leave, family medical leave, free testing, and expanded unemployment benefits among other provisions to help working Americans.

The CARES Act is also providing direct financial assistance of $1,200 for individuals making under $75,000 per year, $100 billion in grants to hospitals to address coronavirus-related financial damage, $150 billion to assist state and local governments, $600 extra per week to unemployment benefits for four months, and $16 billion to assist in the procurement of medical supplies for the Strategic National Stockpile.