UU FA Office

My Health, My Life: Women’s Health Legislative Summit

by UU FA Office

Please join us at the 2015 My Health, My Life Legislative Summit.  The Summit will take place at the State Capitol in June and will include meetings with elected officials, a rally and press conference, and training for supporters from across the state who want to build a stronger network in their hometowns.

We will ensure our elected officials know that women and men are watching and want them to restore funding for life-saving family planning in the state budget.

To reserve your spot and get the latest updates on the Legislative Summit, REGISTER today.

Date: Monday, June 22, 2015
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

As more New Jersey residents gained access to insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 2014 marked the beginning of many great strides for women’s health care. Within the first year of open enrollment, 161,775 New Jersey residents were able to select health insurance plans through the Marketplace, and 53% of those residents were women.¹ Over 29 million women in the US, and 869,000 women in NJ are now able to receive expanded preventive services with no co-pay, including birth control, cancer screenings, and annual well-woman exams.²

Did you know NJ women's health stats PPHNJ

Although the Affordable Care Act has created additional coverage opportunities for women, it is estimated that 693,000 New Jersey residents will remain uninsured, and 1.1 million women are in need of contraceptive services and supplies.³ While the Affordable Care Act has proven beneficial for NJ women, the need for reproductive and other preventive health care is still a concern for many NJ residents.

In 2010, Governor Chris Christie cut $7.4 million in funding for family planning services in New Jersey. An investment in family planning services not only helps women access contraceptive services, but also helps them avoid sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer, and unintended pregnancies. Read the “Women’s Health at Risk” 2015 Report released by Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey.

The foundation for the UULMNJ’s support for reproductive justice is rooted in the Unitarian Universalist principle that affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We value life and the consciences of individuals, and we are called to protect and affirm the lives of women when it comes to their reproductive choices.

1. Department of Health and Human Services USA. 2014. Addendum to the Health Insurance Marketplace Summary Enrollment Report for the Initial Annual Open Enrollment Period. http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/MarketPlaceEnrollment/Apr2014/ib_2014Apr_enrollAddendum.pdf
2. Department of Health and Human Services USA. 2014. Increased Coverage of Preventive Services with Zero Cost Sharing Under the Affordable Care Act. http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2014/preventiveservices/ib_preventiveservices.pdf
3. Health Affairs Blog. 2013. The Uninsured After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act: A Demographic and Geographic Analysis. http:// healthaffairs.org/blog/2013/06/06/the-uninsured-after-implementation-of-the-affordable-care-act-a-demographic-and-geographic-analysis/
4. Guttmacher Institute. 2014. Contraceptive Needs and Services, 2012 Update. http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/win/contraceptive-needs-2012.pdf

 

Laurice Grae-Hauck is the Outreach Coordinator of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ.

June 2015

by UU FA Office

Monthly Liaison Conference Call Minutes

June 3, 2015, 8 PM

In Attendance:
Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing)
Al Stawsky (Palisades)
Toby Tyler (Morristown)
Elaine Nigam (Princeton)
Cecilia Cosca (Montclair)
Sally Gellert (Paramus)
Laurice Grae-Hauck, Administrator
Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Dir.

AGENDA:

Congregations Check-in: 

  • Nick (Washington Crossing): been to Counsel for Faith and Action meeting, introduced a new marijuana legalization bill. Will be a long time before they take a vote on it.
  • Toby (Morristown): UULMNJ coffee hour a couple of weeks ago. Gathered some interest. Got some pushback on the affordable housing issue with questions about Morristown in particular and how they can justify asking the town to provide more affordable housing.
  • Cecelia (Montclair): Just One Thing email goes out weekly to cover social justice issues. Has recently urged writing to legislators and about the Exxon settlement. Montclair dedicated a “Black Lives Matter” banner that is now hanging on the front of the building. The Undoing Racism Committee will be marching in the African American Heritage Day parade on Saturday.
  • Elaine (Princeton): It’s been quiet since the plenary.
  • Sally (Paramus): The teens talking about racism event was a big success.

Task Force:

  • Al ( Justice): Million Peoples March is now being cosponsored by UULMNJ. Urge attendance in your congregations and communities. Still nothing active in the legislation. Expecting things to break in a month of two. Juneteenth is Friday June 19th, celebration in Bergen County on June 20. Al’s congregation will have a booth for educating and distributing at the celebration.

News:

  • Million Person March, Saturday, July 25 in Newark organized by the People’s Organization for Progress, cosponsored by UULMNJ, or racial and economic justice. Join the Facebook event so organizers have an idea of turn out.
  • Earned sick days legislation has been stalled but Assembly will vote before the end of the session. Senate will likely not vote until the fall.
  • Domestic violence gun seizure bill passed out of committee on Monday.
  • Driver’s license for undocumented legislation is in the works. Expect something to come down the pipeline.
  • UULMNJ has joined a bill tracking service called GovNetNJ which will streamline how quickly we are able to act on legislation that is moving forward.
  • Task Force/Liaison Training Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Washington Crossing.
  • The Board endorsed moving forward with the taxation and legalization of marijuana laws legalization and dismantaling racism work at the meeting last week.
  • UULMNJ is looking for good people to join a UULMNJ statewide committee looking at racial issues. Please send any recommendations to Rev. Craig director@uulmnj.org
  • If you are going to GA, CUUSAN (Coalition of UU State Action Networks of which UULMNJ is a member. Craig is on the steering committee.) will be offering “Building New Ways:  First Annual Leadership Program  for state action networks.  It will be held Wed. 1-5 at the Double Tree Hotel.  1000 Multnomah Street, Portland.   To register, contact kathjesch@earthlink.net with Building New Ways Registration in the subject line.
  • If you would like to be an offsite delegate for GA, registration closes on June 19.  Learn more here.
  • If you would like help with a “Black Lives Matter” banner for your congregation, the UULMNJ banner can be customized for your congregation.
  • Craig will be on vacation from June 22 to July 7, for her daughter’s wedding.

There will be no Liaison conference call in July unless there is important business breaking.  Please check email for an announcement.

Reminders

  • New website is LIVE! http://www.UULMNJ.org There is a calendar for statewide congregational events. Plan on submitting community events to be added to the statewide calendar to events@uulmnj.org!

Adjourned at 8:46 pm

Action Alert May 31, 2015: Register for HCDN Annual Lobby Day June 15, 2015

by UU FA Office

Housing and Community Development Network (HCDN) of New Jersey Annual Lobby Day

Date: Monday, June 15, 2015
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Trenton State House ANNEX, Committee Room 3.
Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Every year UULMNJ joins our housing partners at the HCDN Housing Lobby Day. You are invited to join us in Trenton to show our legislators that affordable homes and strong healthy communities matter.

Lobby Day is an opportunity to:

  • Speak with your representatives about supporting public policy that improves our communities and moves NJ forward. Talking points and materials will be provided in advance of lobby day. [Note: If you wish to set up an appointment with your legislators, please contact Arnold Cohen at acohen@hcdnnj.org.]
  • Have a stronger voice by connecting with others in the housing and community development sector.
  • Tour the State House and get an insider’s view of the legislative process from where it all happens.
  • Hone your advocacy skills and learn tricks of the trade for communicating with decision-makers.
  • Witness democracy in action by attending legislative hearings.

The event is free but registration is required. 

Please help spread the word by using the HCDN Lobby Day 2015 Flyer in your congregations.  YUUr voice and your presence make an impact! 

***PREP WEBINAR***
 If you are planning on registering for Lobby Day and would like to get familiar with the issues,
sign up for our Lobby Day Prep Webinar scheduled for June 11 at 10am.

 Remember to bring proper ID to enter the State House and allow sufficient time to go through the new State House security process.

YUUR Voice in Trenton: May 2015

by UU FA Office

 

It is hard to believe that Memorial Day is around the corner.  Where did the month of May go?

Here are some things that are happening at UULMNJ this month:

  • The Legislative Ministry has a new, mobile friendly website! Explore and learn at UULMNJ.org. While you are there click around and see what we’re up to on social media!
  • Write to your NJ Assembly representative as soon as possible to ask them to put forward the bill allowing for earned paid sick days. They need your encouragement
  • Send a letter to your mayor reminding him/her that your town has until July 8 to submit a Fair Share Housing plan to incorporate affordable housing in you town. Your congregation’s Liaison has copies to sign.  For more information, please contact the UULMNJ Economic Justice chair, Lorraine Wearley.
  • Planning worship for next year already? Remember that Rev. Craig Hirshberg is available to come to your congregation and share information on Public Policy in New Jersey.  You can contact her at director@uulmnj.org
  • UULMNJ IS HIRING! Are you a college student or recent graduate looking for an internship? Are you passionate about social justice? Do you know a young adult who fits this description? UULMNJ is hiring a summer intern! The summer intern will work closely with task forces to produce our original series YUUR Voice that airs on Princeton TV. The intern will also have the opportunity to work on our upcoming young and emerging adult program SALTA!: Spiritual Advocacy Leaders Trained for Action.
  • June 15 is Housing and Community Development Network of NJ’s Annual Lobby Day in Trenton, Community Development at the Capitol. Participants will meet with their legislative representatives to educate them about housing and community development issues like foreclosure and the budget. Groups may also attend legislative hearings in addition to individual legislative meetings. The event is free but registration is required. Register today!

Important Dates to Remember!  Mark your calendar now:

  • July 31 – Aug 1: UULMNJ Leadership Retreat
  • October 17: UULMNJ Issues Conference. Details to follow.
  • April 16, 2016, UULMNJ Plenary and Annual Meeting. Details to follow.

Action Alert May 20, 2015: Fair Share Housing in Your Municipality

by UU FA Office

As the result of a recent NJ Supreme Court decision, New Jersey municipalities have to comply with the mandates of creating their fair share of affordable housing in their towns. Here is a letter that can be filled out by you or members of your congregation to send to your municipality’s mayor.  The letter will help make them aware of the Supreme Court decision requiring every municipality to have an affordable housing plan by July 8th.  You do not need to meet with the mayor unless you would like to.   For more information and facts, contact the Fair Share Housing Center. The letter contains a reference link that connects with the FSHC’s website and also provides the phone number for FSHC.

By mailing letters to your mayor, it will put pressure on the town to be in compliance with the court order in a timely way, eliminating penalties for your town.

Please distribute within the congregation, have letters signed, and send directly to your mayor.  Once downloaded, the letter is editable in Word so you can also send it via email.

Thanks you for your support of this important initiative!

Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ

UULMNJ is Hiring Summer Interns!

by UU FA Office

Internship Program

The UU Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ) is a State Advocacy Network whose mission is to be a courageous voice for justice, equality and compassion in New Jersey Public Policy through research, education, witness and advocacy. A largely volunteer organization, issues are addressed through six task forces and 21 congregations. UULMNJ addresses current legislation in the areas of immigration, gun violence prevention, economic justice, criminal justice reform (the new Jim Crow), environmental justice, and health care. UULMNJ won major battles this year in marriage equality, minimum wage and tuition equality for in-state DREAM Act.

PROJECT

We will host up to two interns. Responsibilities will vary based on the interns’ interests, but will relate to the organizing and advocacy needs of the organization. Two main project opportunities include developing video and television programs relating to the legislative priorities of the organization, with discussion guides for congregational education; and developing SALTA: Spiritual Advocacy Leaders Trained for Action, a young adult UU training and advocacy program.

TIME-FRAME

Eight weeks, from June 1 to July 24, with some flexibility. Approximately 25 hours per week.

SITE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who are familiar with New Jersey, and those with an understanding of social justice advocacy work. Additionally, skills in videography or web design are a plus, but not required.

HOUSING

This placement is eligible for housing, which will be a homestay with a local family.

The selected interns are responsible for travel to and from the New York metropolitan area.

For consideration please send resume and letter of interest to Laurice Grae-Hauck at admin@uulmnj.org.

Action Alert May 15, 2015: Assembly support Earned Sick Days

by UU FA Office

We recently received the information below from our NJ Time to Care coalition asking us to organize Assembly support Earned Sick Days.  Many in NJ can not afford to be sick, literally.  If they miss a day of work, they miss a day of wages.  This bill will allow the accumulation of earned sick days.  The announcement below is designed for electronic advocacy.  If you would like to do a letter campaign on Sunday mornings, here is an Assembly support Paid Sick Leave letter that you can use by filling in your representative’s name and address.  This is an Assembly only letter.  Please collect as many as possible and send to your ASSEMBLY representatives directly.  Please let me know about your success.

Thanks,

Craig

 

Dear paid sick days supporter,

New Jersey is at the forefront of paid sick days protections, but the NJ State Assembly has not advanced state legislation. For months, the passage of this incredibly important worker protection has been delayed and we now need to make a big push to progress the bill forward!

We cannot allow the New Jersey legislature to continue to sideline the concerns of 1.2 million New Jersey workers who have no access to paid sick days!

CLICK HERE to enter your details to send a letter to your NJ Assemblymember to take action!

Yesterday in the Star-Ledger, guest columnist Rosa, a mother of three, wrote about her difficulties making ends meet working two jobs. For Mother’s Day she just wanted the right to care for her children when they get sick without fear of losing her job or a day’s pay. She called on NJ legislators to pass a statewide earned sick days law.

You can join her by adding your name to those calling on NJ Legislators to advance the state bill.

Adoption of a strong earned sick days policy is long overdue and necessary to support today’s working families.

CLICK HERE to tell the New Jersey legislature to put the earned sick days bill up for a vote now! Working families have waited long enough.

For progress!

Okenfe

UULMNJ Board Statement on Dismantling Racism

by UU FA Office

Unitarian Universalists have long been spiritually and morally committed to the elimination of racism and oppression.  We have a long history of coming forward to answer the call for racial justice, and UUs have shed their blood in these struggles.  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.

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations

The work to eliminate racism continues to be a litmus test of the strength of our principles and the authenticity of our faith.

The appearance and practice of racism in our society has in many ways radically changed, yet its basic manifestations remain the same.  The illusion of a “color blind” society after the victories of the great civil rights movement and the historic election of an African American president has fully dissolved.  Even though attention is being paid to the continuing epidemic of unpunished killings of people of color by police, it took a series of increasingly disturbing incidents before anyone paid attention to a long-established pattern of violence. This demonstrates that we have far to go to address the problems of racism.  While it could be unfair to compare police killings to lynchings, the simple fact is that the rate of such killings in the last 15 years matches or exceeds the rate of some 5,000 recorded lynchings between 1882 and 1968. About 60 of these have been recorded to be of victims while in police custody. Currently the rate of police officer killings of people of color is reported to be at a rate of about two or more per week in the United States.  The divide that exists between the criminal justice system and people of color is not an accident. It is a direct result of institutional racism.

This seemingly easy and all-too-common resort to lethal force in the moment of confrontation between police and persons — usually men of color — is only the most brutal aspect of the “New Jim Crow”.  To the cry ”Black Lives Matter” we hear the casual and cynical reply “All Lives Matter.”   The problem with proclaiming that all lives matter is that it denies the particular need to focus on black lives.  Fundamentally, until our society accepts that black lives matter, the call that all lives matter is simply a denial of reality based on the limited experience of privileged people.

A basic condition of American racism is that the realities of life of people of color are not known well enough.  In all aspects of American life, already drowning in inequality, people of color, as a group, continue to be victimized in the denial of human and civil rights, employment and income, health, reproductive services and life expectancy, wealth accumulation and home ownership, and in de facto residential and educational inequality and continued segregation. African American author Neely Fuller, Jr., has written,

“No major problem that exists between the people of the known universe can be eliminated until racism is eliminated.”

Racism continues today to be a key, interactive force affecting all issues in the struggle for social progress. Issues of race and racism infect all issues that the UULMNJ and Unitarian Universalists feel strongly about. From Criminal Justice Reform and ending Mass Incarceration to Fair Housing, to Immigration, to Gun Violence, to Health Care, to the Impact of Environmental Degradation, it is crucial for us to recognize that people of privilege experience these issues in an utterly different way from people of color.  We must commit to expanding connection and understanding in order to unleash the full transformational power of a multicultural, multiracial alliance for meaningful and lasting change.

We continue to work to build the Beloved Community of all people, regardless of race, regardless of economic condition, regardless of sexual preference or gender identity, and of other seeming differences.  The differences among us are not categories for separation; they only serve to show the amazing variations and possibilities of the human race.   Seeing, understanding, and appreciating different realities and experiences is the major goal for achieving the transformational power of the Beloved Community.

The UULMNJ will continue to address the dismantling of racism on every issue and in all aspects of its activity.  We ask that the New Jersey Unitarian Universalist Congregations we serve join us in this endeavor.

The Boards of
The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey
The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey Public Policy Network
April 14, 2015

Central Unitarian Church Social Action Film Series: May 15 Inequality for All

by UU FA Office

The Social Action Committee of the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus presents the film Inequality for All, on Friday evening, May 15 at 7:30.

This 2013 documentary follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he looks to raise awareness of the country’s widening economic gap. Directed by Jacob Kornbluth, the 89-minute film is rated PG.

Gordon MacInnes, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that conducts research on public policy issues in New Jersey, introduces the film and leads the discussion following the film presentation.

Doors open at 7 p.m for refreshments. Donations are gratefully accepted.

May 2015

by UU FA Office

Monthly Liaison Conference Call Minutes

May 6, 2015, 8 PM

In Attendance:

Lorraine Wearley  (Summit)
Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing)
Al Stawsky (Palisades)
Edie Waill (Parmaus)
Sally Gellert (Paramus)
Laurice Grae-Hauck, Administrator
Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Dir.

AGENDA:

Congregations Check-in: 

  • Edie (Paramus): May 15 “Inequality for All” film, Gordon McGinnis president of NJ Policy Perspective leading discussion. Teens talk about racism May 28. Showing Inconvenient Truth about charter schools run by corporation. Hosted workshop organized by the YWCA “building a multi-racial community: what can white people do”. Plating more for Bountiful Harvest.
  • Lorraine (Summit): Speaker at UCS, two groups together, author of “Give Them a Chance”.
  • Nick (Washington Crossing): Participating in the Council for Faith on Action working on marijuana legalization.
  • Al (Palisades): Minister canceled regular sermon and instead had an open discussion on recent events in Baltimore, attended by about 30.

Task Force:

  • Al ( Justice): A lot of bills but not much action except for the medical treatment bill. Bill would allow convicted addicts to go into a non-prison treatment program and use recommended drug treatment medications, not currently allowed in prison settings. Drug Policy Alliance sent request asking to contact legislators about moving this bill to a vote and to write letters to editors. Many bills have begun the process but none are currently active.
    3 recent bills on police conduct in recent months. One on use of choke holds, one on mandatory prosecutor assigned to police killings, third requiring residency for policeman giving communities five years.
  • Lorraine (Economic Justice): A dozen bills we’re following but none have moved.  Some haven’t moved since 2014. The budget is holding things up.  Courts will reevaluate in June and if the administration hasn’t moved on the affordable housing moneys the administration could face law suit. Fair Share Housing offered to do an advocate training. 10 people interested at Plenary. Lorraine will send files and LTE template to Craig to send to congregations.

What can we do at the state level to address racism?

  • Paula Jones from Joseph Priestley attended plenary and suggested some trainings.
  • We hung a Black Lives Matter banner at plenary.
  • If your congregation would like to reproduce this banner, Laurice will do minimal redesign for your congregation. Name, logo, etc.
  • Join the “Are UU Awake?” group on Facebook
  • Al suggests a NJ wide conference that deals with the question in a way that is designed to challenge participants and congregations to face up to the questions of our faith principles and how they translate into how we react to the major moral crisis of racism. Lorraine agrees if there is an action item.
  • Sallie would like to see the “Standing on the Side of Love” webinar as a Sunday service.
  • Lorraine sent a NY Times article out about how where you leave affects your ability to get out of poverty.
  • We have to be careful and consistent with the needs of the black community. If people are not sensitive with the dynamics they can make matters worse when reaching out.

Marijuana Laws

  • Craig would like congregations to have educational discussions about this as an issue of mass incarceration.
  • Nick finds it surprising that people are squeamish talking about legalizing it. This is not being favor of marijuana use. It’s about getting people out of the shadows so we can solve problems.
  • Al suggests looking at educational materials from ACLU and NJ United for Marijuana Reform.
  • As the only UU state advocacy body, by supporting this it enables congregations to speak up. We need congregations to have a forum so we know where congregations stand.
  • If people study the issue there won’t be any issues.
  • Nick asks people to call the state Democratic Committee to endorse the effort of NJUMR.
  • Trying to make a video to use in congregations.

News:

  • Fair Share Housing training in Cherry Hill
  • Million Person March July 25 in Newark organized by the People’s Organization for Progress, for racial and economic justice.
  • Sallie brought up NJ Transit cutting service on train lines would like to see UULMNJ action.
  • Anti Poverty Network gala on
  • UULMNJ has just joined the newly formed New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

Reminders:

  • New website is LIVE! http://www.UULMNJ.org There is a calendar for statewide congregational events.  Plan on submitting community events to be added to the statewide calendar to events@uulmnj.org!

Adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Laurice Grae-Hauck, UULMNJ Administrator