$1M Grant For Seton Hall Will Advance Research, Create Jobs: Sherrill

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey is home to more scientists and engineers per square mile than any other state. And a nearly $1 million federal research grant for Seton Hall University will help keep it that way, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey says.

Earlier this week, the congresswoman visited the South Orange-based university to announce a funding boost that will upgrade research and training equipment at the school.

Seton Hall professor Jose Lopez, who is well-known for his pioneering work in plasma physics and microplasmas, said the grant is a “meaningful step towards ensuring that the United States is capable of producing more of the world's most advanced technologies.”

Sherrill, who represents the state’s 11th Congressional District, also used the appearance to announce new legislation she is sponsoring – the Ensuring America’s Competitiveness and Technological Leadership Act – which aims to “expand the global competitiveness of American companies and U.S. leadership in the key technologies of the future.”

If it crosses the finish line, the proposed federal law would create a new interagency national strategy about “economic competitiveness and technological leadership,” and expand government support for U.S. businesses in an effort to combat “unfair trade practices” that are giving foreign nations an advantage, Sherrill said.

The legislation has been endorsed by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

This week’s announcement at Seton Hall comes two years after the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation that spurs investment in critical semiconductor manufacturing, research and development.

“During the past two years, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act has fueled historic growth in American manufacturing and supply chains, critical semiconductor research and development – all while creating good-paying jobs and lowering prices for New Jersey families,” Sherrill said.

The 11th District includes the following municipalities:

• Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell
• Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens
• Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park

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