State Senator Angela McKnight (D-31) is announcing scoring major funding for several local Hudson County organizations via New Jersey budget allocations, with many organizations expressing their approval.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Angela V. McKnight, when you show up, you jump in — literally! Kimberly Prince, founder of the Jersey City-based Jump4Jerry, said in a statement.
“Whether it’s a monetary donation, sending gas money for our road trips, or jumping in and competing at our JERRY Day event, you have always been a pillar of the #Jump4Jerry community.”
That’s the message Prince earlier this month after McKnight presented a ceremonial check representing $50,000 she was able to request and secure in Governor Phil Murphy’s (D) recent budget.
Jump4Jerry began seven years ago in the spring of 2018 after Prince lost her 8-year-old son, Jeremiah (Jerry also known as Prince Bee) Grant.
He was a competitive double Dutch jumper until he was fatally struck while crossing an intersection with his double Dutch team.
In December 2024, McKnight introduced Bill SJR144 to designate October 12 of each year as Jump4Jerry Day in New Jersey and the legislation is pending committee review.
Jump4Jerry is just one of three Hudson County local organizations for which McKnight initiated first-time funding for in the State of New Jersey’s budget.
On August 8th, McKnight served as mistress of ceremonies at the 2nd Annual Youth Empowerment Gala presented by the Jersey City PAL (Police Athletic League).
At the event, Senator McKnight awarded Jersey City PAL with a ceremonial check for $50,000 to commemorate their funds being approved in the state budget.
“She came to see our place and she saw what we needed,” noted Jersey City PAL Vice President Elvis Foster.
“By herself she changed one of the biggest visions for our program single-handedly. It was just her. She was very adamant about making sure we got what we needed to make the place better.”
Foster said that Jersey City PAL has existed since 1977 as one of the longest running youth violence prevention programs in Jersey City. However, Foster believes this is the first time that the organization has received state funds.
On August 11, Senator McKnight awarded Shawn Bruce, founder of Sav ‘n Blocks, with a ceremonial check for $50,000 to commemorate their funds being approved in the state budget.
“This is needed for the things we are trying to do with the youth. Senator Angela McKnight is out here sowing seeds into fertile ground. She is doing so much work out here. I know what’s being done,” Bruce exclaimed.
McKnight said she secured the funds for the anti-violence and youth mentoring organization because the Sav ‘n Blocks team is out at all times of the morning and night helping the youth, whether feeding them, providing information, or going on the block to talk to young ladies and men.
“On behalf of the State of New Jersey, I was able to secure $50,000 for Sav ‘n Blocks because you are literally out here saving blocks,” remarked the state senator.
Last year, Rising Tide Capital received state funds, and this year McKnight requested $1.5 million and was approved for $1 million for the organization to expand its high-impact entrepreneurship programs statewide.
“I cannot thank Senator McKnight enough for the incredible work put forth for New Jerseyans and the entrepreneurs and small businesses that move our economy forward,” indicated Rising Tide Capital Chief Advancement and Innovation Officer Joynicole Martinez.
In addition to these organizations, Senator McKnight joined forces with her legislative colleagues to secure $1.25 million for Bayonne Public Schools and $4 million for Jersey City Public Schools.
Other budget lines where McKnight served as primary Senate sponsor include the Bayonne Dry Dock for $1 million; Big Brothers/Big Sisters for $1 million; Sonora Health for $500,000; Center for Health Excellence for $200,000; KinderSmile Foundation for $200,000; College Board Advanced Placement for $1 million; Kean University for $350,000; Girl Scouts for $400,000, and Insite Health for $1 million.
She also co-sponsored more than 50 other budget resolutions that included funding for New Jersey City University, Liberty Science Center, and Hudson Speaks.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Senator McKnight, for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our community. Your commitment makes a real difference, and we will continue to make you proud,” expressed Prince of Jump4Jerry.
