The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced last week that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to Friday, May 28, 2010. This allows families, burdened by outstanding energy bills, additional time to apply for benefits and emergency assistance.
For additional information call the NJ LIHEAP Hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the New Jersey Community Resources energy page.
Motorists and pedestrians are in for a culture change, based on a law that became effective April 1. “No longer will crossing the street be a game of chicken”, said Pam Fisher, Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, at a news conference held last Wednesday to publicize the new law. Under legislation adopted by the state legislature in January, drivers must stop for pedestrians within crosswalks or face increased penalties. Failure to observe the law may subject drivers to any of the following: a $200 fine (previously $100), 2 points, and up to 15 days of community service.
According to state and federal traffic statistics, about 25% of New Jersey auto related fatalities involve pedestrians which is nearly double the national average. Press articles issued in conjunction with the new law also indicate that pedestrians will also be held to stricter standards for improper behavior – jaywalking, crossing on the red, etc. It is expected that education and enforcement initiatives will become more aggressive in the weeks and months ahead.
Additional information available online include: March 31 Attorney General press release, and Pedestrian Safety regulations issued by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
Another new law that hasn’t received too much publicity is the “Move Over Law” which took effect January, 2009. The following is taken from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. It reads as follows:
“MOVE OVER FOR STATIONARY EMERGENCY AND OTHER SERVICE VEHICLES
As of January 27, 2009, New Jersey’s “Move Over” law requires that all motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle. If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of his/her vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed that is lower than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop, if necessary. Motorists who violate this law face a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. (C.39:4-92.2 and 39:3-84.6)”
It’s time we slow down, follow sensible driving and pedestrian rules, and stop from killing each other on the road.
Tax season is upon us and free tax sites, VITA sites, have opened their doors. This year several tax credits have been expanded to help put as much as $6,000 in the pockets of low-income working families. In particular, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are powerful resources for working people with low incomes.
In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.
Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.
With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.
Michael Swayze's Community Resources 