News and Alerts

Action Alert May May 28, 2014: Bail Reform Phone Campaign

by UU FA Office
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Dear UUMNJ Family,

As you know, the month of June can become rather hectic as the legislature strives to complete passed legislation before its summer recess.  Bail reform is one of those pieces of legislation.  One of our coalition partners, Drug Policy Alliance, has asked for help.  Could you please make calls and send this out to anyone who is concerned about bail reform and mass incarceration and ask them to do the same.  Please read the information below thoroughly and call those indicated to voice both your support and concern.

Thanks,

Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ
4 Waldron Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
609.672.7331

 

In case you missed my email before the holiday weekend, we need your help to ensure real bail reform is achieved in Trenton.  As you know, the New Solutions Campaign coalition has been working diligently on bail reform legislation thatpromotes both safety and justice.  Now that we are only a few weeks away from the legislative summer recess, time is of essence and we need your help:

1)     As the legislature considers bail reform (as early as next week) and amends the final legislation, it’s extremely important we have a strong presence at the statehouse to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens don’t get left behind.  Please let me know ASAP if you’re available on June 5th and June 12th to come to Trenton to fight for real bail reform.  As usual, DPA staff is available to assist you with drafting testimony and helping you prepare for the hearing.

2)     It’s crucial that elected officials hear from New Jerseyans regarding how important real bail reform is to them!  Legislators need to know that we won’t accept “reform” that does nothing to improve fairness or public safety, disproportionately impacts minorities, and discriminates against poor people.  Per my instructions below, please take a few minutes to call members of the Senate Budget Committee (names and phone numbers listed below).

3)     We need to spread this call to action across the state so that we can make the biggest impact possible!  Please forward this email to your friends, family members, and colleagues in New Jersey.  If you are affiliated with an organization, please post this information to your website.  If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please encourage advocacy on bail reform through social media.

CALL INSTRUCTIONS

The Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 5th and there is a possibility that the bail reform legislation (S946/A1910) we have been advocating for will be considered.

Unfortunately, we have reason to believe that the version of “reform” under consideration does nothing to improve fairness or public safety, disproportionately impacts minorities, and discriminates against poor people.  It’s possible the bail bill could be amended to benefit the for-profit bail industry which will hurt our families and communities.  Therefore, we need to make sure the committee members support REAL bail reform and hear from us THIS WEEK. 

Real bail reform legislation requires three major components:

1)     Replace the current bail schedule with non-monetary release options

2)     Establish pretrial service units to supervise defendants who need supervision while on release pending trial

3)     Mandate use of a validated risk assessment instrument on all arrestees

Please contact the sponsor of the legislation and members of the budget committee to express your support for Real Bail Reform but your deep concerns with any amendments that would continue to prioritize resources over risk in our bail system. If you don’t have time to call all the members, please prioritize those italicized below.

1.     Senator Donald Norcross (Sponsor of bail bill): (856) 547-4800

2.     Senator Paul A. Sarlo (Senate Budget Chairman): (201) 804-8118

3.     Senator Sandra B. Cunningham: (201) 451-5100

4.     Senator Nellie Pou: (973) 247-1555

5.     Senator Brian P. Stack: (201) 721-5263

6.     Senator Peter J. Barnes: (732) 548-1406

7.     Senator Jennifer Beck: (732) 933-1591

8.     Senator Anthony R. Bucco: (973) 627-9700

9.     Senator Linda R. Greenstein: (609) 395-9911

10.  Senator Kevin J. O’Toole: (973) 237-1360

11.  Senator Steven V. Oroho: (973) 300-0200

12.  Senator M. Teresa Ruiz: (973) 484-1000

13.  Senator Samuel D. Thompson: (732) 607-7580

14.  Senator Jeff Van Drew: (609) 465-0700

Below my signature are some talking points and tips for making a call.  Once again, please forward this call to action to all your friends, family and colleagues in New Jersey!

This is your opportunity to go the extra mile and make sure we don’t leave New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens behind!  Thank you for all that you do! 

Best,

Meagan

Meagan Glaser, MPAP |Deputy State Director, New Jersey
Drug Policy Alliance
16 West Front Street, Suite 101A | Trenton, NJ 08608
Voice: 609.396.8613 | Fax: 609.396.9478
www.drugpolicy.org
Think the drug war is doing more harm than good? Join us!

Tips on Making a Call

Most legislators’ staff answer their phones during the session and log all of the messages. The call will only take a minute!

  • Be courteous, positive, and brief.
  • Identify yourself and mention that you are a New Jersey resident
  • Ask to speak with the legislators’ Legislative Aide or Chief of Staff if the legislator is unavailable
  • Ask that the legislator support REAL bail reform and oppose any amendments to Senate Bill 946 that would prioritize resources over risk when the bill comes before them for a vote. 
  • Leave a message if you are calling after business hours.

What to Say:

When the receptionist in the legislator’s office answers the phone, politely say something like: My name is [NAME], may I please speak with [LEGISLATOR’S NAME].  If the legislator isn’t available (which is most likely the case), politely ask to speak with his or her Legislative Aide or Chief of Staff.

When you get the appropriate person on the phone or when leaving a message (if none of these individuals are available), politely say something like: I’m calling to urge [LEGISLATOR’S NAME] to support real bail reform.  It’s important that they oppose any amendments that do nothing to improve public safety or fairness, disproportionately impact minorities, and discriminate against poor people.  New Jersey needs real bail reform not more of the same broken system.

Politely follow-up this statement with something like: Do you know where [LEGISLATOR’S NAME] stands on this issue?  I am hoping [LEGISLATOR’S NAME] will support real and comprehensive bail reform.

Talking points re real bail reform & possible amendments that would undermine S946/A1910

  • Thousands of New Jerseyans awaiting trial for nonviolent charges are sitting in jail simply because they can’t afford to pay their bail.  People with money can buy their freedom but those without are stuck behind bars, often for months on end, just because they can’t afford as little as a couple thousand dollars for their bail.
    • S946/A1910 must be REAL bail reform which requires the following components:

1)     Replacing the current bail schedule with non-monetary release options

2)     Establishing pretrial service units to supervise defendants who need supervision while on release pending trial

3)     Mandating use of a validated risk assessment instrument on all arrestees

  • Please oppose any amendments to S946/A1910 that base pretrial release decisions on resources rather than risk.  Such amendments jeopardize public safety and will do nothing to improve fairness, disproportionately impact minorities and discriminate against poor people. 
  • The NJ Supreme Court recently released the report of the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice calling for significant changes to the current bail system including a move away from a resource-based system to one reliant on risk by prioritizing nonmonetary conditions of release, requiring all defendants to undergo a risk assessment before their initial bail hearing, establishing pretrial services agencies to supervise and monitor those released, and permitting the absolute detention of truly dangerous individuals.  Please consider these recommendations when voting on S946/A1910.

For more information visit: http://www.drugpolicy.org/about-us/departments-and-state-offices/new-jersey/new-solutions-campaign/new-solutions-campaign-bail

Follow-Up:

After you call these legislators it would be greatly appreciated if you shared your conversation with me.  Please e-mail mglaser@drugpolicy.org and/or call 609-496-3497 and let me know how the committee members felt about bail reform.  Do they support all three components of REAL bail reform?  Are they planning on opposing any harmful amendments to the legislation?  Do they need more information to make a decision?

Action Alerts May 28, 2014: Fracking Waste Ban/June 12 Lobby Day and Support Senator Bob Smith

by UU FA Office

The UULMNJ Environmental Task Force has been involved in shaping New Jersey environmental policy and you can help with that work.  Attached are two letters for members to use. The first is a letter that that can be used as a guide to write personal letters to Senator Bob Smith in support of his efforts to sponsor legislation that promotes sustainable energy use and conservation. The second letter can be adapted to mail to your local legislators regarding the ban on the transportation of fracking wastes in New Jersey. Please use these letters over the next couple of weeks prior to our Lobby Day on June 12th.

View Bob Smith support letter

View fracking waste ban letter

The Fracking Waste Ban Lobby Day is June 12th in Trenton.  Encourage all you know to participate.  Read the flyer with details about the Fracking Waste Ban Lobby Day .

If you have any questions, contact Rohn Hein or UULMNJ Executive Director Craig Hirshberg.

May 2014

by UU FA Office
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Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

Liaison Conference Call Minutes

Attending:
Craig Hirshberg (Executive Director), Nick Mellis (Washington Crossing), Lorraine Wearley (Summit), Cecilia Costa (Montclair), Denise (last name/congregation?), Ann Perry (Somerset Hills), Frances Prestianni (Princeton), Peggy Woods (Wayne, Lakeland)

 

Action Alerts current as of May 7: Liaisons are asked to promote these in their Congregations

1. Send letters to legislators to oppose repeal of Realty Transfer Tax.   View Action Alert

2. Liaisons—please send to Craig letters you’ve collected to ask Sweeney and Prieto to support Bail Reform legislation.  View Action Alert

3. Work with municipalities for gun safety features by manufacturers.   View Action Alert

Congregations’ Highlights
  • Washington Crossing: climate scientist will speak on Monday night (May 12) and will video for Princeton public TV; a new minister has been chosen, Rev. Kim Wildszewski
  • Summit: had second of three lectures on gun violence; programs broadcast to Montclair and Morristown UU congregations; full house and very active discussion went on to 3 pm; topics included safety of fire arms and rules of hunting, safety course
  • Princeton: good response to bail reform; 50 letters to each Legislative Leader.
  • Montclair: good response to bail reform 90 to Sweeney and 75 to Speaker Prieto
  • Wayne: Peace, Shalom, Salaam which is designed to promote dialogue on Israel and Palestine conflict; 2 congregation members went to DC to rally against Pipeline
  • Craig was part of a group who spoke with Senator Menendez on immigration.
  • Gave testimony at the first meeting of COAH; new rules have been released; there will be a public meeting in July on these regulations.
  • Participated in news conference on immigration issues-how to control phone rates for telephone calls inside NJ; it can cost $17 to make a simple call inside the state; will submit request to Board of Public Utilities which regulates these rates.
  • Bail reform issue may come up in a legislative committee next Thursday, May 15, 2014; this has been a major issue for UULM through the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force.
Report on Plenary

High attendance, almost 80 people; 19 of 21 NJ congregations were represented which is very good; this was the 5th anniversary celebration; raised almost $4,000 which is a record for fund raising at statewide meetings; Gordon MacInnes gave a wonderful talk on budget issues is NJ; task forces had very active discussion; we will be providing a list of Task Force issues.

Craig’s Activities

New Action Alert-Economic Justice Task Force: Action to ask Legislature not to repeal the realty transfer tax; a portion of that tax goes to affordable housing trust fund used which is used to maintain current housing and build new housing.

New Action Alert on Fracking: A bill which will ban storing fracking waste in NJ will come up at environmental committee on Monday, May 12. Action Alert asking for letters will be sent.

How to add people to our Salsa Lists: the question is how do we get more people on the list. Suggestions: create a flyer on UULM giving information and asking people to give us contact information; put sign-up sheet at Action Table and ask people to sign up; Summit has started doing this; Princeton has used this approach for a number of years.

More visibility for UU ideas: Nick Mellis talked about creating more visibility for UU and UULM ideas; he suggested working through Princeton community TV to create programming; this will create more awareness of our faith within the community; Nick is willing to work on this; Princeton community TV is open to new programming and over the past two years, has scheduled our UULM programs on immigration reform and Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision.

Next year’s schedule for Craig preaching: has commitment to speak at every congregations every two years; Next year will be busy next year since Craig spoke at many congregations two years ago; it would be helpful for liaisons to speak to the worship committee or the minister to suggest that Craig speak at the congregation next year (2014-2015); these requests should be submitted quickly since congregations tend to set up this schedule way in advance; there was general agreement that this is a very good way to make UULM more visible and support local UULM congregational activities.

The Next Liaison Conference Call – Wednesday, June 4, 8:00pm. For more liaison information about how to be included in these calls, please contact Executive Director Craig Hirshberg.

Thank you for your participation!

Task Force Current Priorities: May

by UU FA Office

Environmental Justice: The prime focus of the Environmental Task force through June, 2014 is the bill to ban the transportation of fracking wastes in New Jersey. The bill (S-252) was voted out of the Senate Environmental Committee by a 4-1 vote and was passed by the full Senate on May 12 by a vote of 32-5. The bill (A-2108) has yet to be heard in the Assembly Environmental Committee. All of the major environmental groups will be sponsoring a Lobby Day on Monday, June 12th when it is possible that the committee will meet. The full Assembly meets on June 15th when a final vote is also possible.

Criminal Justice Reform: Ending the New Jim Crow: The priority of the Task Force at the present time and foreseeably through June 2014 is activity supporting the passage of two current NJ legislative actions.  These are a real and meaningful Bail Reform Bill and an effective Opportunity to Compete Act.  Both of these are expected to make some measurable improvement in the NJ criminal justice system and its effects.

Economic Justice: Economic Justice continues to monitor the disbursement of Sandy Relief funding and support the Sandy Bill of Rights, with letters to our State Representatives and local newspapers. We will make comments on the new COAH Rules by the deadline of July 2nd. We will advocate for the preservation of the Realty Transfer Tax, which helps to fund affordable housing. At the Federal level, we will consider how best to support a proposed Constitutional Amendment to counteract the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision.

Immigration:The Immigration Task Force priorities over the next several months extend into the fall.  At the state level, we are participating in a coalition’s determination to push legislation that would allow undocumented persons the legal ability to drive, either through drivers licenses or a driving privilege card.  We support other efforts as they arise — especially access to state aid for undocumented students and improved legal options to pursue wage theft.  At the national level, we are re-strengthening efforts to get the House of Representatives to pass some form of comprehensive immigration reform.

Gun Violence Prevention:The gun violence task force’s top priority at this time is working with New Jersey Together to get New Jersey municipalities to use their buying power to get gun manufacturers to stop selling to rogue dealers and invest in smart gun technology.  We are also conducting public education, primarily by showing the documentary Shell-Shocked, and supporting legislation that would limit the size of magazines to 10 rounds.

Reproductive Justice: The Reproductive Justice and Healthcare Task Force is focused on gathering continued support of buffer zones and clinic escorts, as well as planning congregation trainings in reproductive justice. We are also actively seeking support for exploration into New Jersey’s healthcare system and access to health services.

Join Us for Upcoming Coalition Lobbying Days:

June 5: Affordable Housing, 9-4, State House
            contact Lorraine Wearley or Rev. Craig Hirshberg for more information

June 12: Environment and Fracking 9-4 State House
            contact Rohn Hein or Rev. Craig Hirshberg for more information

Action Alert May 11, 2014: Protect the Realty Transfer Tax

by UU FA Office

The UULMNJ and the Economic Justice Task Force need your help to ensure that the Realty Transfer Tax is protected.

As UU’s we believe in the worth and dignity of every human being. That is why the Economic Justice Task Force and the UULMNJ stand with other nonprofits and faith-based groups to advocate for affordable housing, and therefore opposing the repeal of the Realty Transfer Tax.

Background on the Realty Transfer Tax from The Housing Community Development Network of NJ:

  •  Realty transfer fees were established in 1968 to offset the cost of tracking real estate transactions. With the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1985, use of the transfer fee was broadened to include generating fees to help create housing opportunities in viable neighborhoods for households of low and moderate income.
  • Sellers pay the fee when they transfer the deed of the house to the new owners. The money is then split between the state and the county.
  • 35 other states have similar fees.
  • The fees are the 7th largest source of tax revenue for the State. Officials have projected that they will produce $287 million in the current State budget and $325 million in next year’s spending plan.
  • A portion remains with the county that collects the fee for the County Public Health Priority Fund and pays for the funding of public health services.
  • A portion goes in the General Fund of the State.
  • A portion goes into the NJ Affordable Housing Trust Fund – a non-lapsing revolving fund that, in the past, subsidized the construction & rehabilitation of affordable housing.  Funds are targeted to each region of the State based on that region’s percentage of the State’s low and moderate income need.
  • Funds currently support the Council on Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing Administration, shelter assistance, Prevention of Homelessness Program, State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) & NJ’s share to get federal HOME funds.
  • Last year, NJ Affordable Housing Trust Fund generated $48 million with over $42 million going to SRAP; which helps fund homes for 4,018 families including 812 project based units.
  • $25 million goes toward the state’s dune and beach replenishment program, with the federal government providing another $75 million.

To be sure, New Jerseyans (especially the most economically disadvantaged among us) cannot afford to lose out on the essential services funded, in part, by the revenue generated from the Realty Transfer Tax.

Please click here to send a letter to your State Legislators encouraging them to oppose the repeal of the Realty Transfer Tax.

Thank you for your support!

UULMNJ Administrator – Job Opening

by UU FA Office

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry
of New Jersey

UULMNJ Administrator Job Description

The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ) is seeking a part-time Administrator to begin work as soon as possible and no later than June 1.  Duties of the position include but are not limited to:

  • Administrative support for Executive Director
  • Assist with Board, plenary and issues workshop preparation
  • Organizational data keeping
  • Maintaining organization files
  • Assume responsibility for electronic advocacy postings, data base, membership, communications, event registration, and reporting
  • Development of some electronic communications
  • Some financial responsibilities
  • Social media maintenance (Facebook, Twitter)

Qualifications:  Previous office administration experience; good office organizing skills; knowledge of Facebook and social media; strong computer skills; basic computer graphics is helpful.  Knowledge of Salsa electronic advocacy program helpful. This person needs to be able to work independently.  Required to meet weekly with Executive Director.

Compensation:   $18 – $20 hr.  18-20 hours/wk.

Applications should be submitted to Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director, director@uulmnj.org   Contact:  609.672.7331.

Application Deadline: Applications may be submitted until May 10, 2014.
The Unitarian Universalist Ministry of New Jersey, A Public Policy Network of New Jersey’s 21 UU congregations, provides a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena.  UULMNJ engages in social justice and public policy issues important to our state through Education, Research, Advocacy, Witness, and Service. UULMNJ works to facilitate communications among the NJ UU congregations and aims to be a resource to encourage and strengthen their social justice programs.  UULMNJ is an equal opportunity employer.  www.uulmnj.org.

Supported in part by a grant from the UU Funding Program Social Responsibility Fund.

Please help us publicize this position by downloading the job description (pdf) and posting it and/or forwarding it to people who might be interested. Thank you.

Action Alert: Bail Reform Letter Campaign, May 16 Deadline

by UU FA Office

The Ending Jim Crow task force has asked that we send letters in support of upcoming bail reform legislation expected to come to vote in June.  There are two letters, one to Sen. Sweeney, President of the Senate and one to Assemblyman Prieto, Speaker of the Assembly.  Each person should sign both letters.  We would like to have these all collected and  returned to me at the address below by May 16. Fact sheets about bail reform are available for information and education in the congregations.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email Al Stawsky, Task Force Chair, or me.

You may have noticed that these are not on our letterhead.  This was requested by the campaign coordinator, Drug Policy Alliance.  However, we have adapted the letters to include our UU identity in the body.

Thank you for your help.

Craig

—
Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director
Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ
4 Waldron Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
609.672.7331

Action Alert April 22, 2014: Sandy Bill of Rights

by UU FA Office

The Fair Share Housing Center needs our help to encourage Governor Christie to sign the Sandy Bill of Rights into law.  Please join them in this important step toward ensuring that New Jerseyans affected by Superstorm Sandy do not face unnecessary obstacles on the road to recovery.

On March 27, the New Jersey State Legislature reached bipartisan agreement, and the Sandy Bill of Rights passed unanimously in both houses.  This significant legislation bestows the following rights on New Jerseyans applying for Sandy recovery funds:

  • The right to a plain language explanation of the application process for any recovery funds
  • The right to know why an application is rejected and to appeal that rejection with a specified timeframe
  • The right to know current status of an application and position on any wait list
  • The right to access information in English, Spanish, and any other language spoken by impacted communities
  • The right to a review of racial and ethnic disparities in funding and corrections of any problems
  • The right to have funds distributed by amount of damage and not based on political or other considerations
  • The right to transparent information online about how funds are being distributed

Please click here to send a letter to Governor Christie urging him to sign this important piece of legislation into law.

To read the bill in its entirety, click here.

Annual Meeting Recap; Materials Posted

by UU FA Office

UULMNJ 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & ANNUAL PLENARY – RECAP

About 80 UUs gathered at the UU Congregation of Princeton to for UULMNJ’s Annual Plenary.  “We are getting good at these meetings” sums up attendees’ feelings about the event.  One participant noted that these meeting allow us to create thoughtful positions on many complex issues, a task which is too large for individual congregations. And it is always important to have an opportunity to connect and energize one another in addition to our usual teleconferences. We even had a cake to celebrate our fifth anniversary.  Thank you for all who helped the day run smoothly.

Meeting business included electing new board members and adopting a 2014 – 2015 budget.  New board members elected to serve on the UULMNJ Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2014:

  • Andrea Lerner (Metro NY District Executive)
  • Rev. Bill Neely (Princeton)
  • Roni Taylor (Plainfield)

Continuing to serve on the board are Nick Lewis (Montclair), Frances Prestianni (Princeton), Missy Staples (Somerset Hills), and Judy Strachan (Montclair).   Gail Marsh Saxer (Ocean County) and Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst (Monmouth County) will be ending their terms on the board. And our youth representative, Adam Green (Ridgewood) has let us know that he has to leave the board.

The past year’s highlights and accomplishments were reviewed, and attendees were treated to an informative and entertaining keynote address, How We Got Here:  New Jersey’s Crawl Out of the Great Recession, by Gordon MacInnes, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective.

At the conclusion of the plenary, there was a liaison and congregation volunteer training covering actions as a moral imperative, congregational resources and Salsa, our advocacy system.

Meeting materials are posted here:

Annual Meeting Recap

Plenary Agenda

Executive Director’s Report

President’s Report

Legal Advocacy Project

Task Forces – Annual Reports

Issue Briefs/Position Papers

UULMNJ Partnerships

Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet

 

 

 

 

April 2014

by UU FA Office
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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014, Liaison Conference Call was not held as the Plenary meeting was Saturday April 5.

 

Action Alerts current as of April 5: Liaisons are asked to promote these in their Congregations

1. Reinstate NJ membership in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. View Action Alert

2. Prevent Fracking in the Delaware River Basin. View Action Alert

3. Work with municipalities for gun safety features by manufacturers. View Action Alert

4. UULM and UU Service Committee ask for federal minimum wage raise to $10.10. View Action Alert

April 5 Plenary Highlights

1. Business Meeting: Election of Trustees, Thanking outgoing Trustees, Approval of FY 2014-2015 Budget

2. Keynote Speaker: Gordon MacInnes, President, New Jersey Policy Perspective

3. First constituting of Task Force Criminal Justice: End the New Jim Crow, Al Stawsky, Chair alynways@gmail.com

4. First constituting of Task Force Healthcare: Reproductive Justice, Rev. Kathleen Green, Chair uurevkathleen@gmail.com

5. Training for Liaisons and volunteers on the moral imperative and practicalities of managing congregations’ advocacy.

The Next Liaison Conference Call – Wednesday, May 7th 8:00pm. For more liaison information about how to be included in these calls, please contact director@uulmnj.org

Thank you for your participation!