June 2014

AGENDA:

Introduction of new staff and interns: Rev. Craig introduced Laurice Grae, the new administrator from the Montclair Congregation, and Richelle Perry, the summer intern from Jefferson City, Missouri. Richelle will work 25 hours a week this summer.

Congregations Check-in:

• Diane (Montclair)reported that Montclair has been doing letter collecting for the environment and mass incarceration. They have a Congregational meeting on Sunday for planning.
• Frances (Princeton) reported that bail letters were signed in Princeton and two action alerts, on the bail issue and fracking rally, have been sent to congregational mailing list.
• Jeri (Newton) mailed Craig bail reform letters and sent follow up email to Congregation. Fracking alert was emailed to the environmental group.
  Frances reported action alerts only went to liaison.
• Craig asks that liaisons distribute action alerts to their congregations at this time while the new administrator updates SALSA and the transition between administrators eases.

Task Force Updates:

• Fracking : Thursday, June 12 is lobby day, with events taking place in Trenton all day. Craig is the opening speaker at the rally at 12:30. We need people to be present. Action alert has gone out to register. Frances: Sent alert to congregation, got a response saying it was difficult to register. Registration is via Facebook.
• Bail Reform:   Al: Current issue of a bill meant to change discriminatory bail reform system in NJ. Detainees who can’t afford bail end up stuck in the system for up to a year awaiting trial. The bill would provide non-monetary options based upon risk assessment. Al will not be in Trenton on June 5. Bills went through judiciary and are in Senate Budget Committee on June 5 with a hearing at 1:00. It is suspected that changes have been made to the bill, making it less effective than the original version. Drug Policy Alliance called for people to testify before the budget committee.
  Opportunity to Compete Act addresses the restrained opportunity for employment for previously incarcerated people. “Ban the Box” seeks to eliminate the question regarding criminal background on initial employment applications. Background checks could only be conducted after a job offer is given, with some exemptions. 1 of every 4 New Jerseyans has a criminal record.
  Both bills have support in the legislature and therefor a possibility to get them passed.
  Craig testified last week regarding the constitutional amendment required for bail reform. Currently the New Jersey constitution gives everyone the right to bail. There is concern that the current wording, “released as soon as possible”, could lead to abuse later. There are likely changes now that have not been seen.
  Diane suggested a possibility for minimal bail options to avoid the constitutional amendment.
• Gun Violence: Diane: Bill to reduce magazine cartridges from 15 to 10 passed the senate and the assembly. Gov. Christie is the big obstacle, likely to veto. Now is the time for letters and phone calls to the Governor. Diane will be working on drafting a letter for the congregations. Plans to begin work with New Jersey Together organization, urging municipalities to only purchase guns from safe and responsible manufacturers and distributers. Craig hopes to get a letter on SALSA by weekend.
  Diane rewrote webpage information on Tuesday.
• Economic Justice: Encourage people to visit their legislators at this time regarding affordable housing. Craig and Lorraine Wearley met with Assemblyman Bramnick and Senator Kean (both of District 21) who were both responsive. Thursday, June 5, 2014 is lobby day for poverty and affordable housing in Trenton. Sandy recovery funds and ways to deal with vacant homes and homes on the verge of foreclosure are key issues. Possibility for the creation of a land bank between community municipalities and developers.
  Citizens United materials are still available. On the national stage, support for a referendum supported heavily by the Democratic party to limit campaign finance contributions.
• Immigration: Drivers license and wage theft will likely not come up until the fall

New Business

• Mark your calendars! September 27, 2014 conference in Paramus. Udi Ofer, Exec. Director of New Jersey ACLU will be the guest speaker.
• General Assembly: Thursday June 26, State advocacy network workshop 10:15-12. 5:30 UULM reception in the Omni UUA Reception Room. Liaisons all invited.
• For more information regarding the New Jim Crow task force, contact A Stawsky.
• Any interest in Princeton cable access show, contact Nick Wellis. Working on half hour presentations with a study guide as an educational/outreach tool in congregations.

There will be no Liaison conference call in July.  Our next conference call will be Aug. 6 at 8 PM.