July 31st, 2026
Edition 1
A look into Councilperson Ephros’ community outreach, efforts, and developments.
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A look into Councilperson Ephros’ community outreach, efforts, and developments. 〰️
Ward D Newsletter
Divesting From Citizens Bank
In early June, Council members Ephros and Brooks (of Ward C) released a joint statement with Mayor Solomon to announce Jersey City’s divestment from Citizens Bank. This statement came in response to the bank deepening its’ financial support for the country’s two largest private prison companies, CoreCivic and the GEO group. Citizens Bank has allowed these two companies to access more than $2.5 billion in finances while combined, these CoreCivic and GEO group operate over 70,000 ICE detention beds, and are looking to expand to 100,000 detainees by the end of the year.
Both companies have been faced with mounting allegations of forced labor and wrongful deaths due to understaffing and neglect. GEO group even owns and operates Delaney Hall, where detainees recently organized hunger strikes to protest deplorable conditions and ongoing human rights abuses. The divestment of Jersey City’s funds from Citizens Bank is a reaffimation of the city’s commitment to being a safe place for immigrant families.
“ICE is a rogue agency inflicting terror on immigrant communities, and the private prison industry exists for one reason: to profit from that terror. Citizens Bank is a willing partner in that project. Jersey City’s money will not fund human rights abuses, and we will not rest until ICE is abolished.”
Photo by Farragutful, 2022.
Jersey City Youth Council
By Saadhana Karri
Insert write up here.
The Jersey City Budget
As soon as Councilperson Ephros took office 6 months ago, it became apparent that Jersey City would be facing a budget crisis. Our offices’ first concern was making sure that we were focused on advancing an agenda that protects our most vulnerable communities and working Jersey City families, while ensuring street safety and maintaining operative public services, like transportation.
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