Dear Camden County neighbors,
The past year has been historic and eventful. We faced many challenges, including an insurrection and ongoing pandemic. I hear and share many of your frustrations, which is why I worked all year long in Congress and with Camden County and local leaders to protect the health, jobs, and well-being of our community.
Despite these challenges, I found many reasons to be hopeful. Difficult times have a way of bringing communities together, and Camden County is no exception. My staff and I were in constant contact throughout the year with civic leaders, community organizations, and individuals to learn what Camden County needed and how we could help – including by participating in regular Camden County townhalls to update the community on the pandemic.
South Jersey families were struggling, so we passed the American Rescue Plan to put money in pockets, accelerate vaccination efforts, keep children in school, and get people back to work. It resulted in over $179 million being sent to Camden County schools to help them reopen and stay open safely, and $204 million to equip Camden County municipal governments with the resources they needed to respond to the pandemic. Additional funding was made available for small businesses, restaurants, and community health centers throughout the county.
For years, we’ve also known that our infrastructure – from roads and bridges to broadband – needed updating. That’s why I fought hard to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, delivering $13.5 billion for New Jersey to rebuilding Camden County’s roads, bridges, ports, and water infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs. And just last month, the House passed the Build Back Better Act that puts working people first. If passed by the Senate, the bill will lower prescription drug costs, invest in long-term elder care and child care so parents can return to work, and cuts taxes for the middle class. The bill also makes historic steps in fighting climate change, making our communities more resilient to extreme weather events and investing in renewable energy technologies, including all-electric public transit.
I also championed several bills, including those inspired by constituents, like the Opioid Access Treatment Act which was shaped in part by an addiction medicine specialist in Cherry Hill. We saw a heartbreaking spike in opioid overdose deaths during the pandemic, and the bill will improve access to life-saving treatment for those struggling with addiction. The House also unanimously passed my bill, the BRAVE Act, which connects veterans to job opportunities as they transition back into civilian life.
Camden County has proven its resiliency is beyond question in 2021, and we’ll need to continue working together in 2022. I look forward to advocating on behalf of all Camden County families in Congress in the New Year and am deeply proud to serve you. Thank you for your partnership in pulling together as a community in these exceptional moments.
Wishing you a safe and happy New Year,
Donald Norcross
Member of Congress
