Save the Jersey City UEZ

When you shop in certified UEZ stores, you pay just half the normal sales tax. The 3.5% sales tax collected is invested in several necessary services and programs in the community. These programs provide training, jobs, security and services we need.

Your UEZ dollars save Jersey City property owners an average of $200 each year!

Governor Christie wants to put the UEZ program “on hold” for at least one year beginning July 1st. Without the UEZ funds:

• 48 Police Officers’ salaries, which have been paid with UEZ Assistance Funds will have to go back into the City’s budget. Since January 2008, $5.5 million in UEZ Assistance Funds have been utilized to train and pay these new officers.

• The Crime-Deterring Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Program will not be able to expand — or function — unless the City finds another source to make up the $749,000 shortfall that will occur without UEZ funding.

• The Street Maintenance Program, in which 30 workers from the “Second Chance Program” and 7 supervisors sweep and clean sidewalks and curbsides, will either be abolished and the workers will be let go, or the City will have to incorporate the $1,051, 204 into its budget.

• Streetscape and Road Rehabilitation Projects, that have increased pedestrian safety and beautified neighborhood commercial districts, will go by the wayside.

• The Special Improvement Districts and Main Street Programs — which organize and market local businesses and bring improvements to the community — will lay-off a total of 19 people and will not be able to advertise, hold events or function.

• Workforce Training Programs, such as the Customer Service Skills Center and Community Partnerships in Hotel Employment— which have prepared and placed more than 800 women and men in jobs — will not be funded.