It has been a red letter year for UULMNJ! Despite a fairly inactive legislative year, the Legislative Ministry remained hands on in advocating for a more just New Jersey. Take a look at some of our Top 10 Moments of 2015:
Joint Boards Release Statement Dismantling Racism
The UULMNJ is committed to the Black Lives Matter movement and to ending the systematic oppression faced by people of color in our country and the State of New Jersey. In this we are motivated by the moral imperative of our covenant to affirm and promote the principles that are the uniting basis of our faith community.
Calling for Paid Sick Leave for All
Thanks to the unwavering resolve of our coalition partners, we were able to secure passage of landmark legislation including Paid Family Leave and the minimum wage increase.
A Celebration of our Faith, Equality, Compassion and Justice Through Song
The 1st Annual New Jersey MUUsic Festival at Morristown Unitarian Fellowship benefited the work of the Legislative Ministry. Over 100 musicians participated in the first ever NJ UU All-State Ensemble in March.
NJ Supreme Court Decision on Affordable Housing
In March, the New Jersey Supreme Court reaffirmed that no town in New Jersey may exclude working families, low-income seniors, and people with special needs.
Standing with Planned Parenthood for Reproductive Justice
In June, our Reproductive Justice Task Force made a statement of support for Planned Parenthood after vicious attacks hit the media. UULMNJ also allied with Planned Parenthood for a Legislative Summit at the State House with Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
Bipartisan Heroin Treatment Bill Passes
Our Criminal Justice Reform Task Force had a busy year which included work on juvenile justice, solitary confinement, and this bill for medication assisted treatment of heroin addiction.
March Against Police Brutality in Newark
1,500 people showed up in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in July. 150 UUs represented 14 congregations from across the state.
Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Domestic Gun Violence
Executive Director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg, met with Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and other lawmakers to discuss legislation to protect women and children from domestic abusers with firearms.
Rev. Craig Hirshberg Joins Criminal Justice Panel with Senator Cory Booker
Seeking to cut government spending on incarcerating non-violent criminals, Senator Booker calls on his colleagues to “redirect resources into community policing and public defense” and a radical expansion of federally funded human services programs.
First NJ Legislative Hearing on the Legalization of Marijuana
Rev. Hirshberg was the only clergy to testify in this closed Senate Judiciary hearing. She is seen below with NJ-NAACP president Richard Smith, ACLU-NJ executive director Udi Ofer, and President of the New Jersey State Municipal Prosecutor’s Association, Jon Henry Barr at a pre-hearing press conference.
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