Menendez Sells COVID Recovery Plan in Hoboken
HOBOKEN – There is rich history here – think “On the Waterfront” and Frank Sinatra – but these days the Mile Square City is known for drinking, eating and other revelry.
So when Mayor Ravi Bhalla closed bars and restaurants at the start of the pandemic last March, it was a big deal – and a big blow to the city’s persona.
Bhalla has no second thoughts. In fact, he took pride today in saying he was the first mayor in the nation to take such action.
Still, his mood and that of a handful of restaurant owners was considerably brighter today than it was 12 months ago.
Sen. Bob Menendez was visiting to trumpet recent passage of the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus plan.
He said that plan “marks a turning point” in the fight to recover from Covid-19.
Speaking inside a heated tent in front of the Madison Bar & Grill, Menendez reeled off a series of statistics.
New Jersey is getting about $10.2 billion in aid, about $425 million of which will come to Hudson County and $27.2 million to Hoboken.
More importantly, Menendez said there is a $28.6 billion fund just for restaurants nationwide.
“Brighter days are ahead for Hoboken and our hospitality industry,” the senator said optimistically.
Beyond the stats, there’s the human element of the pandemic.
Dave Carney, owner of the Madison, said that without federal aid his business would have closed. He said it was the Paycheck Protection Program, which passed last year, that enabled him to pay his staff.
Similar comments came from Grace Sciancalepore, whose family owns Leo’s Restaurant, a place the senator described as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area.
It’s also a city mainstay, having been around for more than eight decades. Sciancalepore said many of her staffers have been with her for more than 20 years, and thanks to federal aid, she’s been able to pay them.
Some restaurants, of course, have closed.
Is there hope for them?
Maybe. Jeanne Cretella of the state’s Restaurant & Hospitality Association, said some owners may seek aid under the latest bill to reopen. But it’s unclear how many will do so.
No act escapes the politics of the day and the stimulus is no exception. Some Republican-controlled states have talked about trying to use the federal money to lower taxes as opposed to paying public workers and helping businesses and schools.
Menendez was unimpressed with that view, saying, “This is a recovery plan.”
He also pointed out that Republicans have no standing here, noting that not one party member in the House or Senate supported what is formally called the American Rescue Plan.
The only thing Menendez is selling is snake oil. More Democrat reckless spending that will cripple future generations with crushing debt. This thing is a done deal…why do they need to “sell” it? Or was it more of a “we have to pass it to see what’s in it” kind of deal?
Does our esteemed senator have anything to say about that little “challenge” on the southern border? All under control?
These idiots will ruin this country. But, ol’ Stumblin’ Joe doesn’t tweet mean things. So it’s all good.
Senator Menendez always does what is best for the residents of New Jersey
and for our country. I am proud to have him represent me in the US Senate.
Senator Menendez is a cipher a total loser and an enabler for the far left totally lies about what’s happening in America. Menendez and Booker two minions of the Pelosi and Schumer cabal. The destruction and the immense debt they have created will take generations to recover. Both must be voted out!