21 Counties In 7 Days: Cory Booker Concludes NJ Summer Road Trip

NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker recently finished up a seven-day “summer road trip” across every county in New Jersey with an appearance at a violence intervention summit in his hometown of Newark.

“I’m filled with gratitude and Jersey pride as I end my 2023 summer road trip,” Booker said. “Every year, I learn more about our state and spend time with extraordinary New Jerseyans—humble heroes in our midst who serve their communities.”

Booker began his road trip at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. There, the senator announced legislation to combat the opioid epidemic by expanding access to drug test trips, affordable and effective lifesaving devices that prevent drug overdoses.

Days later, Booker visited the Camden County Jail, which he called a “national model in expanding treatment for populations that are disproportionately affected by addiction and mental health issues.” At the jail, Booker discussed legislation he has proposed that would provide comprehensive substance abuse treatment to people who are incarcerated.

Finishing up the tour in Newark, Booker hosted the Essex County Community Violence Intervention Summit with New Jersey’s urban mayors to discuss the gun violence epidemic that continues to grip cities across the country. During the summit, Booker announced the introduction of the bicameral Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would provide federal grants to communities for evidence-based gun violence intervention and prevention programs designed to interrupt cycles of urban gun violence.

Booker’s office released details about some of the other stops on the senator’s annual road trip, which began when he was first elected to the U.S. Senate 10 years ago:

• Booker and Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal hosted a town hall with Atlantic County veterans to listen to their concerns about veterans’ healthcare and issues that impact them, and to highlight the benefits now available to toxic-exposed veterans under the PACT Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden last year
• Booker visited the Children’s Day Preschool in Passaic to bring attention to the critical need to renew federal childcare funding ahead of an upcoming “childcare cliff” that threatens the stability of childcare centers and the well-being of New Jersey families
• Booker celebrated pride with the LGBTQ+ community in Hudson County at Jersey City Pride’s Equality March
• The Sunday before the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Booker spoke at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset County, urging congregants to “stay faithful” in the fight for justice
• In the City of Elizabeth in Union County, he highlighted federal programs to monitor air quality in environmental justice communities that disproportionately bear the brunt of air pollution and diesel emissions
• Booker visited Warren County Community College to learn more about how federal funding could help the college, a leader in drone industry education, and address agriculture industry needs in the region through drone technology
• At Washington’s Headquarters Museum in Morris County, Booker spoke about the Garden State’s unique revolutionary heritage and economic opportunities for New Jersey tourism as preparations get underway for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026
• Booker met with seniors at the Reo Diner in Middlesex County with New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and at a public housing facility for seniors in Ocean County
• A member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Booker visited a dozen shops in Cape May County and stopped by a small, family-owned ice-cream shop in Monmouth County serving a variety of vegan flavors. At the Sparta Farmers Market in Sussex County, he met with vendors selling locally produced goods. In Mercer County, he hosted a roundtable discussion with business leaders in Princeton’s Special Improvement District.
• In Burlington County, Booker provided remarks at a breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
• Booker visited the Hunterdon County Emergency Services Training Center and highlighted his ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for the training center to enhance vital fire safety training for first responders. Booker visited the Clayton Fire Department in Gloucester County to celebrate federal funding he secured to buy a new ladder truck.
• Booker visited a ninth generation family-owned potato farm in Salem County. In Cumberland County, Booker announced grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program. More than $3.3 million in funding was awarded to 17 New Jersey rural small business and agricultural producers to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation.

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