YUUR Voice – Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ

Reproductive Justice Annual Report 2018

UUFANJ REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE TASK FORCE (RJTF)

ANNUAL REPORT – APRIL 21, 2018

The Reproductive Justice Task Force had a busy and productive year. The task force has followed closely the progress of our Signature Legislation at the same time that we have followed new initiatives. Special concern is the reproductive justice issues that are intersectional and impact especially on the lives of women of color.

Legal Advocacy Signature Legislation

The Legal Advocacy Signature Legislation, the first initiated by UUFANJ, is the Address Confidentiality Program for Reproductive Health Service Employees and Clients. It will “initiate legislation to add abortion providers and their support staff to those eligible for protection under New Jersey’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)”. Sen. Loretta Weinberg is Senate sponsor (S1761). The bill was referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and was heard on March 5. Lessie Culmer-Nier and Tom Moran were at the hearing representing UUFANJ. Tom testified by reading one of the pieces of written testimony from a clinic worker. Carol Loscalzo had submitted written testimony to the Senate staff from 4 people, 3 working in clinics and one, David S. Cohen, Esq. , the author who wrote “Living in the Crosshairs: the Untold Story of Anti-Abortion Terrorism. ” The bill was voted out of committee and referred to Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A1861- Asw. Pam Lampitt is the Assembly sponsor with Asm. John McKeon and Asw. Nancy Pinkin co sponsoring. It has been referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

Initiatives and Issues

The task force joined with the Criminal Justice Task Force to sponsor an event at the Monmouth congregation on 2/ 18/18, “Know Her Truths: Life behind Bars for Women in NJ”. It explored the gendered challenges women face in NJ prisons, including sexual violence, reproductive assaults, and mothering from the inside. The panel featured our own Johanna Foster, PhD, Johanna Christian, PhD and two returning citizens. Approximately 100 participants attended this early afternoon event. The event involved the cooperation of two task forces and highlighted the intersectionality of the work. We were very grateful for the hospitality of the Monmouth congregation, especially the Racial Justice Committee. The legislative interests the task force is tacking reflect some of the outcomes of the day.

An immediate outcome of the event presented itself when on 2/22 the Senate Law and Public Service Committee held a hearing about sexual assault allegations at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. The task force was represented at the hearing by two members and Rev. Rob Gregson. So far, there have not been any initiatives as an outcome.

Other Legislation that is Being Tracked by the RJ Task Force

ASSEMBLY BILL 2186 – TO PROHIBIT RESTRAINT OF FEMALE INMATES DURING LABOR AND CHILDBIRTH (Huttle et al. ) Under the bill, correctional facility staff or medical providers would not be permitted to apply restraints to a prisoner known to be pregnant during any stage of labor, any pregnancy related medical distress, transport to a medical facility, delivery, or postpartum. Restraints would be allowed if determination is made that the prisoner presents a substantial flight risk; or some other extraordinary medical or security circumstance exists. In cases when restraints are permitted, the bill would require that the least restrictive type and application of restraint necessary would be used.

SENATE BILL 495 ESTABLISHES MATERNAL MORTALITY REVIEW COMMISSION (Vitale, Ruiz) AND ASSEMBLY BILL 1862 (Lampitt, Mukherji, Huttle and Pinkin) This bill would annually review and report on rates and causes of maternal death in New Jersey and recommend improvement to maternal care. This legislation is critical to help determine the causes of rising maternal deaths in NJ and ensure that health care providers are able to identify the most effective strategies for improving maternal care. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The Assembly bill has been referred to the Assembly Women and Children Committee and was reported out of committee on March 12, 2018.

ASSEMBLY BILL 314 – RESTRICTS USE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN STATE PRISONS, JAILS, DETENTION FACILITIES (Pinkin et al) The bill prohibits inmates from being placed in isolated confinement unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the inmate or others would be at substantial risk of immediate, serious harm as evidenced by recent threats or conduct, and any less restrictive intervention would be insufficient to reduce that risk. Defines isolated confinement as “confinement of an inmate in a correctional facility in a cell or similarly confined holding or living space, alone or with other inmates, for approximately 20 hours or more per day with severely restricted activity, movement, and social interaction.” Inmates determined to be “vulnerable” cannot be placed in solitary confinement: 21 years of age or younger; is 65 years of age or older; has a disability based on a mental illness, a history of psychiatric hospitalization, and other identifiers.

SENATE BILL 108 – ESTABLISHES A PROGRAM IN TO FACILITATE THE COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION OF CERTAIN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS FOLLOWING THEIR INCARCERATION FOR CRIMES AGAINST THEIR ABUSERS (Weinberg) AND ASSEMBLY BILL 1022 (Johnson and Mosquera) The program is referred to as supervised community reintegration. Those selected undergo reentry training, and agree to a reintegration plan outlining their responsibilities under the program, which may include a secure residential community placement and participation in a work release program. Participants who fail to fulfill their responsibilities under their reintegration plan or who violate the provisions of the program would be removed from the program. The State Parole Board may release an inmate from incarceration into the community reintegration program pursuant to criteria established in the bill. Senate bill referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee and Assembly bill referred to Assembly Women to and Children Committee.

Coalition /Advocacy Work

Co-sponsored the January 20 Women’s March on NJ in Morristown.
My Health My Life Coalition – The task force chair continued as an active member of the coalition. It advocated strongly for the restoration of family planning funding which was signed by the Governor on February 21.
Sponsored National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Unit‘s Roe event, “Danger Pregnancy Ahead: Examining the growing number of infringements on women’s access to health care and how the women’s overall health is being alarmingly jeopardized”.
The task force chair was invited to join the Crisis Pregnancy Centers (Fake Clinics) task force representing UUFANJ. A Round Table to determine next steps is planned for the fall.

Carol A. Loscalzo, Reproductive Justice Task Force chair

Administrative Code Adoption Process

State Board Administrative Code Adoption Process

The administrative code adoption process can be described in 12 steps. Each step, after the discussion phase, takes about one month and corresponds to the State Board’s public meeting schedule.

The first step to develop the code takes from one to two months depending on the complexity of the code. Steps two – seven and step 10, which are discussion of the draft code language and two testimony sessions are part of the process based on a State Board policy. Those steps are not required by the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) which governs the code process for all state agencies. The APA requires the actions that begin at step eight which are: publication of the proposed code language, a written comment period, formal adoption of the code language and publication in the NJ Register.

Administrative Code Adoption Process
April 9, 2013

STATE BOARD POLICY

Step 1 Policy discussion paper is developed by responsible division.
Step 2 Discussion paper is distributed to State Board and then the stakeholders.
Step 3 Feedback to Commissioner about the discussion paper from the State Board at two agenda planning sessions and written comment from the stakeholders (about 60 days).
Step 4 Responsible division develops draft code language.
Step 5 First discussion of draft code language at State Board monthly meeting.
Step 6 Second discussion of draft code language at State Board monthly meeting.
Step 7 Public testimony session held following second discussion of draft code language.

REQUIREMENTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT

Step 8 Proposal level at State Board monthly meeting for approval by State Board to publish code in the New Jersey Register.
Step 9 New Jersey Register publication with 60 day written comment period.
Step 10 Public Testimony Session held approximately six weeks following proposal level.
Step 11 Adoption level at State Board monthly meeting.
Step 12 Publication in the New Jersey Register to establish the effective date of the adopted regulation.

What Happens At Each Step?

STEPS 1-3 – The Policy Discussion Paper

A State Board initiative of 1993 provided for a comprehensive review of code to:

(1) refocus code and identify regulations which are overly prescriptive or counter-productive;
(2) establish a moratorium on rulemaking pending completion of review; and (3) establish an equivalency and waiver process to identify areas of code which can be accomplished in other ways.

Each of those objectives was implemented and the Comprehensive Review of Code Report recommended several changes to the code development process based on three overarching goals. These goals are to: (1) bring the State Board into the policy development process earlier to allow for discussions at the conceptual level and the opportunity for consensus building which would not otherwise exist; (2) receive input from the education groups, stakeholders and other interested members of the public before the development of specific code language; and (3) accomplish the above objectives without lengthening the code adoption process.

The major change to the code development process is the addition of a policy discussion level through distribution of a discussion paper to the State Board and stakeholders. The discussion paper will begin at the broad policy level and be linked to the goals of the Strategic Plan for Systemic Improvement of Education in New Jersey which is the State Board’s five year plan to improve education statewide. The paper will establish the need for regulations in the policy area and then pose questions related to the broad policy issues that should be considered in developing code. The use of a question format will encourage a focused response from the stakeholders on the broad issues being presented.

The discussion paper will not be adopted by the State Board but presented to the State Board and to stakeholders for input before the code language is developed for the area that must be regulated. The stakeholders will be asked for written comments but no formal department comment or response will be necessary. The role of the State Board should be to react to the discussion paper and give the Commissioner and department staff feedback. The department will also share the feedback from the public and the stakeholders with the State Board on an informational basis.

The Commissioner should accept the feedback, ask staff to analyze it for his/her benefit and then direct staff to develop code based on his/her reaction to the feedback. As code language is being developed, the Commissioner has the opportunity to work with the State Board through the agenda planning process on areas that may be problematic or controversial.
The following describes the activities of the discussion phase:

the State Board receives the discussion paper two weeks before public dissemination;
the discussion paper is then provided to County Superintendents, the Leadership for Educational Excellence (LEE) and specific groups directly impacted by the code. The discussion paper will be available on the department’s web site and the public may submit written comments. The release will also not coincide with a public meeting of the State Board;
the State Board and all groups are given a two-month period to review the discussion paper and provide input directly to the department;
County Superintendents distribute the discussion paper and coordinate a discussion of the paper with feedback as part of the monthly roundtables with superintendents and business administrators; consideration could be given to meeting with LEE or stakeholders as appropriate;
The two-month period would allow sufficient time for all interested parties to receive the discussion paper and provide input through written comment. It also would allow all State Board members to discuss the proposed code at the policy level in one of two work sessions with the Commissioner and division executives. The written comment is compiled and provided to the State Board at the end of the discussion period.

STEP 4 – Responsible Division Develops Draft Code

The Commissioner assigns administrative code development to the division responsible for the policy area. Code language is developed to:

amend current regulations;
create new regulations; or
review regulations scheduled to expire through the “sunset” provision.
Executive Order No. 66 (1978) stipulates that all regulations adopted after May 15, 1978 will have an expiration date (“sunset”) no later than five years from the effective date. The regulations must be reviewed for either readoption without change, readoption with amendments or repeal of all or part of the chapter prior to the expiration date.

The driving force for rulemaking is either an order contained in a new statute which directs the Commissioner of Education and State Board of Education to promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of the legislation or a departmental policy decision which mandates certain requirements for school districts or the regulated parties. Regulations are also adopted to help clarify policy decisions or statutory requirements.

The draft code development process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to produce the proposed code language for the State Board’s consideration. The amount of time depends on the complexity of the issue and whether or not discussion or input from other government agencies or external groups is needed.

The code language is also developed according to a prescribed format and codification process established by the Administrative Procedures Act and implemented by the Office of Administrative Law. Prior to the regulations being presented to the State Board at proposal level for official action to advertise and receive public comment, the draft document is sent to the OAL for a preliminary review.
The regulations are reviewed for: statutory authority, codification, regulation text, compliance with the APA and OAL regulations for agency rulemaking and format, grammar and spelling.

The draft code language will include a summary memo to introduce the code language at first and second discussion level. The summary memo will include the purpose of the code and its historical background. It will also address major policy areas and the Commissioner’s position as well as a narrative description about what is accomplished in each chapter and how it will be implemented. The purpose is to give the State Board and the public a clear picture of the proposed code. This summary memo is a requirement of the Administrative Procedures Act and includes the APA requirements described in Step 9.

The State Board Office provides technical assistance to divisions for the State Board and OAL procedures and requirements.

STEP 5 – First Discussion of Draft Code Language

The first discussion of draft code language is the first public opportunity for the State Board members to review and comment on the text of the regulations. A summary memo from the Commissioner outlines various aspects of the regulations regarding purpose and authority and is used as an introduction to the code. The division executive of the responsible division is present at the State Board public meeting to provide an overview of the regulations and answer questions and receive the comments of the State Board members. There is no formal action taken by the State Board at this level.

A Comment/Response Form is used to respond to questions and comments from State Board members and the public after the first and second discussion and public testimony sessions. The form is prepared by department staff and identifies the person or agency that presented a comment or question, the code citation, the issue being raised and the department’s response or recommendation. All questions and comments are listed on the Comment/Response Form with a corresponding response from the department. The State Board uses the form to consider possible changes to the proposed text.

The Comment/Response Form is provided to the public when the State Board considers the code at second discussion, proposal level and at adoption level.

STEP 6 – Second/Final Discussion Level

The State Board discusses the code for a second time, usually one month later, at the public meeting. This is a second opportunity for the State Board to raise questions or direct staff to make specific changes to the text before it is published in the New Jersey Register. Again, the responsible division executive is available to answer questions and respond to comments. No formal action is taken on the regulations at this time.

The State Board has the option to discuss the code beyond this level. In such cases, additional discussion levels are scheduled which may be referred to as the final discussion level for purposes of describing the item on the public meeting agenda.

STEP 7 – Public Testimony Session Following Second/Final Discussion Level

State Board members recognize the importance of receiving input on educational regulations from parents, educators, administrators, education associations and other stakeholders.

Each year, the State Board adopts a resolution establishing the annual calendar of all public meeting dates and testimony sessions and publishes the dates in the New Jersey Register. An official notice is also sent to the Governor’s Office, Press Corps and County Superintendents in order to give notice to the public and education community.

The department will also place the table of contents of each public meeting agenda and the announcement for that month’s public testimony session on the department’s web sitethe Friday before the public meeting. This will alert the public to the level of code discussion for each chapter and the dates that the State Board is taking testimony for that chapter. The chapter of code will be placed on the web sitethe day after the State Board considers the chapter at “first discussion” level. If the chapter is revised at proposal level, the department will place the revised version on the web site.

Following the second/final discussion of any code chapter, a testimony session is held at the Department of Education. These sessions are usually scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the State Board meeting room. Oral testimony is presented to a panel of the State Board, and copies of the written comments are forwarded to all members for their review and consideration.

Interested members of the public must contact the State Board Office by noon on the Friday prior to the hearing date to register to speak at the testimony session. They are asked to submit eight copies of their testimony to the State Board Office for distribution to the panel of State Board members receiving testimony and for distribution to the full State Board and department staff. All speakers must limit their comments to approximately five minutes. The public may also submit written testimony directly to the department by sending one copy to the State Board Office by the date of the testimony session.

The public testimony procedure was initially recommended by a committee of the State Board and adopted by resolution.

STEP 8 – Proposal Level

At the proposal level of code development, the regulations are brought before the State Board for an official action. The proposal version of code language contains the Commissioner’s final recommendations to the State Board and has been approved by OAL for adherence to the APA.

At proposal level, the comment/response form summarizes the changes to the code that are proposed in response to state board members’ comments at the discussion levels and the public testimony session.

When the State Board is satisfied with the proposal level code, a majority vote is required to publish the regulations in the New Jersey Register, thereby giving the public notice of the proposed rulemaking and the opportunity to provide comments.

STEP 9 – New Jersey Register – Written Comment Period

The New Jersey Register is the official publication of the OAL. It is published twice each month and contains all notices of proposed regulations, adopted regulations, executive orders and miscellaneous notices from all state agencies. When regulations are published as “proposed regulations,” the public has a 60-day period to submit comments to the state agency. OAL prints the full text of the regulation and the accompanying summary memo which provides a clear and concise explanation of the code’s purpose and effect. The proposal notice also includes directions on how, where and when to submit written comments. An agency has one year from the date of publication at proposal level to take final action of adoption on any proposed regulation.

The summary memo published at proposal level is not a legally binding document and is not retained or published after the proposal level. The memo is a requirement of the APA and must include the following:

a clear, concise explanation of the regulation’s purpose and effect;
a summary of the subject matter of each subchapter;
why the new regulation, amendment, readoption or repeal is necessary;
the historical background of the regulation;
a social impact statement that describes the sociological conditions that may have created a need for the regulation as well as who is impacted and to what degree. The impact statement generally includes students, parents, school districts and taxpayers;
an economic impact statement that describes the cost of implementing the regulation for all who may be affected. The statement should describe actual costs for complying with the regulation or the type of costs and the dollar range of costs. The impact statement generally includes students, parents, school districts, taxpayers and the department;
a jobs impact statement which describes whether New Jersey citizens may gain or lose jobs as a result of this regulation;
an agricultural industry impact statement which describes the nature and extent of the proposed regulation on the state’s agricultural industry. If the State Agriculture Development Committee determines that the regulation will have a significant adverse effect, the department must consult with the Committee prior to adoption of the regulation;
a federal standards statement which states whether or not the proposed regulation exceeds a current federal requirement and, if yes, why it is necessary to promulgate regulations that exceed the federal standard;
a regulatory flexibility statement that states whether or not the regulation must be met by a small business (fewer than 100 nonpublic employees). For example, a private school for the handicapped qualifies as a small business that may be regulated by specific chapters of code. If a small business is impacted, the regulatory flexibility statement must indicate what accommodations, if any, were made to reduce the requirements to accommodate the small business.

STEP 10 – Public Testimony Session Following Proposal Level

Another public testimony session is held approximately six weeks following the State Board’s approval to publish the code regulations in the New Jersey Register. The specific procedures for conducting this session are the same as in Step 7 above.

STEP 11 – Adoption Level

After the public testimony session and the completion of the 30-day written comment period, department staff review all comments received and provide responses on a Comment/Response Form in preparation for discussion with the State Board (See Step 5). When the regulations are ready for adoption, they are placed on the State Board agenda at the next monthly public meeting. The responsible division executive is available to answer any further questions from the State Board or to review suggestions for modifying the code based upon public comment.
If the State Board makes any changes to the language that was advertised for public comment at proposal level, the changes may need to be proposed as amendments and be readvertised in the NJ Register. If the change meets the criteria of a “major substantive change” as it is defined by NJAC 1:30-4.3(b) and (c), the change must be made as an amendment following adoption of the proposed rule. The process for the amendment begins again at proposal level, proceeds through the publication for public comment and is brought back to the State Board for final adoption (Steps 8-11).

A “major substantive change” is a change that:
increases or curtails who and what will be affected by the proposed rule;
changes what is being mandated by the rule; or
increases or curtails the scope of the proposed rule and its burden on those affected by it.

A “minor” substantive change is permissible at adoption level if it does not increase or curtail the scope of the rule or change what is being mandated. Other minor substantive changes are language changes to clarify the proposal or correct errors. The minor substantive change and the reasons that it is a permissible change must be described in the Comment/Response Form.

If the State Board is satisfied with the final text, a majority vote in the affirmative duly adopts the regulations.

STEP 12 – Notice of Adoption

The Comment/Response Form is developed in response to the comments of State Board members, the commentors at the public testimony session and the written comments received during the written comment period. The Comment/Response Form is published in the register at adoption level with the final text of the code language. The adopted regulations and comments are filed with the OAL as a “Notice of Adoption” for publication in the New Jersey Register. This informs the public of the input that was received, the State Board’s official action as well as the effective date of the regulations.

The regulations have a five year expiration period and are assigned a sunset date. However, the State Board can amend the regulations at any time during that period based on changing needs or policies. The sunset provision ensures that each chapter is reviewed for its continued effectiveness at least every five years.

Guidelines for Letter Writing

Guidelines for Letter Writing

Be sure to know who your representatives are.

Know your legislative district, the names of your state senator and two assembly persons, your state board members, and your representatives in Washington, DC, if working at that level. Know the legislators and policy makers who are key to your issue. Try to have people from their districts lobby them. If you need assistance to find your current legislators, visit www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp

Proper letter etiquette should be followed.

The correct address and salutation on the envelope and letter should be used. All legislators and state board members are addressed as “The Honorable…”

Give your full name and address, and identify yourself as a registered voter in your district.

Legislators and state board members sometimes choose torespond to letters, so it is important for them to know who you are and what district you are in. Also, if it turns out to bea long effort, you may be contacting your legislator or stateboard member several times and you want to build on the familiarity. Mentioning your organization also helps.

Identify the bill of concern or regulatory proposal.

Give both the bill number and name, if it has one, and a short description. A legislator is involved with many bills and may not automatically know which one you are referring to. Similarly, state board members handle several regulatory packages simultaneously.

Give reasons for your position, but be brief.

Besides giving the basic information, be specific as to how this will affect you, the community, or the district. Short, concise letters that discuss one issue are most effective.

Express yourself politely.

Intimidation, threats, or insincere flattery will not help you win the issue. Remember that others who may be in opposition to your cause will be making every effort to be polite.

Try to generate a commitment of support from the legislator.

Ask why the legislator or state board member feels a certain way about the issue. Engage the legislator or state board member in a meaningful and thoughtful discussion of the issues.

Be Original.

Don’t use form letters or copy another person’s letter. It is better to make a short, original, and unique statement than to mimic someone else.

Time your letter to arrive at the key moment.

There are critical times in the legislative and regulatory process. Being too early in your contact will not help. Contact the NJPSA Government Relations staff for guidance. In fact, consider utilizing email to contact your legislator and state board member.

Thank your legislators when their actions meet with your approval.

They appreciate the support of the voting public and, like everyone else, like to hear good news instead of always the bad.

YUUR Voice in Trenton: October 2015

by UU FA OfficeOctober 29, 2015

UULMNJ Statewide Issues Conference Oct. 17^th

REGISTER TODAY for the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ’s Statewide Issues Conference Oct. 17th at the Summit Church, 4 Waldron Ave, Summit. NJ. Here is a chance to put your faith into action! Help set the year’s legislative priorities in Economic Justice, Mass Incarceration, Environment, Immigration and Health/Reproductive Justice. Collaborate with UUs from across New Jersey. Join for a Wine and Cheese reception afterward. You won’t want to miss Special Guest and Keynote Speaker, Janice Marie Johnson, Multicultural Ministries and Leadership Director of the UUA.

Dismantling Racism

UULMNJ released Statement on Dismantling Racism this past April. Racism is an underlying cause of every social action issue addressed by UULMNJ. We have gathered a statewide group to discuss how the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ can help address this important issue in our congregations and communities. Send your suggestions to Rev. Craig Hirshberg, director@uulmnj.org The Cherry Hill congregation is sponsoring a regional Racial Justice Conference Oct. 23-25. UULMNJ’s Rev. Craig Hirshberg will be a guest speaker.

October is the Month of Resistance to Mass Incarceration

UULMNJ allies! Here is an opportunity to join other UU’s and stand together for racial justice. Please join members of the Fourth Universalist Society, All Souls Unitarian Church’s Racial Justice Initiative, and First UU Brooklyn at the #RiseUpOctober March on Saturday, October 24^th. Protestors from around the country will join in resistance to the mass incarceration and continued violence against people of color at the hands of law enforcement. Together, we will affirm that #BlackLivesMatter.

Wear our Standing on the Side of Love gear and gather at the southeast corner of Washington Square Park near the Bobst library for the opening rally beginning at 11 am. The march is scheduled to begin at 1 pm and end at 4 pm near Columbus Circle. For more information about marching with UUs, contact Rachael Hayes (hayes.rachael@gmail.com). And for more information about #RiseUpOctober, see the call to action on their website: http://riseupoctober.nationbuilder.com/

It’s Election Season! Every NJ Assembly seat us up for election this year. This is the time to get out into your communities and learn about your local elected officials. October 13 is the voter registration deadline. Register now and make your vote count! Then get to the polls on November 3!

To learn more about this and other exciting work being done by UULMNJ volunteers across New Jersey, sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and action alerts. Or visit www.uulmnj.org. Don’t miss the opportunity to let YUUR Voice be heard!

YUUR Voice in Trenton: August 2015

by UU FA OfficeAugust 29, 2015

Town Hall with Senator Cory Booker On Tuesday August 11, UULMNJ Executive Director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg, sat on an expert panel with Senator Booker, US Attorney Paul Fishman, Rev Charles Boyer, and Jiles Ship (NOBLE) to discuss criminal justice, race and faith. Moderated by NJTV News anchor Michael Hill the two hour long program took place at Christ Church in East Orange where 400 people packed the pews. Read more.

UUs Showed Up to Affirm “BLACK LIVES MATTER!” Thank you to all who came to Newark for the Million People’s March Against Police Brutality, Racial Injustice, and Economic Inequality. We had roughly 150 UUs from New Jersey and some more from New York, with 13 NJ congregations represented! View the photos and tag the people you know!

UULMNJ Stands with Planned Parenthood The UULMNJ Healthcare & Reproductive Justice taskforce has released a statement in support of Planned Parenthood. On July 14, 2015 the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress launched a smear campaign on the women’s healthcare provider aimed at shutting them down. At the Unitarian Universalist Association 2015 General Assembly the delegates passed a Reproductive Statement of Conscience. Supporting Planned Parenthood and standing together when any of the groups standing for reproductive justice is attacked, is essential to protecting the basic human rights at the core of reproductive justice. Read the statement here.

Three important pieces of legislation passed by both houses on June 25, 2015.

S2381/A3723 was signed by Governor Christie on August 10 and allows drug court participants to complete or “graduate” from drug court programs while using medication-assisted treatments to conquer their addictions.

S2003 builds on previous efforts to reform the system with a focus on helping to rehabilitate juveniles and make communities safer was also signed by the Governor on August 10. The law will raise the minimum age to waive a child into the adult court system, also raise the age to transfer adolescents and children from juvenile detention centers to adult facilities, and the law will impose limits according to age on the amount of time a juvenile could spend in solitary confinement, known as room restriction in the juvenile justice system.

Bill A4218, which would require dangerous domestic abusers to turn in their guns before they have the chance to do more harm, still awaits Governor Christie’s signature. Please email the governor or call the governor’s office at 609-292-6000 today and urge him to sign this legislation. Learn more.

This year’s calendar is set. Mark your personal and congregational calendars now!

September 12, 2015: Training and strategizing for task force leadership and congregational liaisons at the UU Church at Washington Crossing in Titusville.
October 17, 2015: UULMNJ Issues Conference in Summit.
March 12, 2016: 2^nd Annual NJ MUUsic Festival in Lincroft.
April 16, 2015: UULMNJ Plenary and Annual Meeting in Cherry Hill.

Addressing Institutional Racism in New Jersey will be a major emphasis for UULMNJ this coming year. A new group is forming to explore how best UULMNJ can assist congregations in fostering education, discussion and action. If you have suggestions or comments about a UU response to racism, please send them to Rev. Craig Hirshberg, UULMNJ Exec. Director director@uulmnj.org

UULMNJ has joined NJ United for Marijuana Reform. At the 2015 Spring Plenary the Board released a statement supporting marijuana legalization. This is a bold step for a faith community. UULMNJ does not endorse the recreational use of marijuana, just as it would not endorse the recreational use of tobacco or alcohol. The UULMNJ position is based on the concern for social justice. The current drug policy laws and the resulting incarcerations for minor drug possession adversely affect life opportunities for many young people, and especially young black men and women. Read the statement on Marijuana Reform. Read more.

YUUR Voice in Trenton: Summer 2015

by UU FA OfficeJuly 16, 2015

Congratulations to Rev. Alison Miller (Morristown), the President of the UULMNJ Public Policy Network, who led the Sunday service at the 2015 General Assembly in Portland! UUA President, Rev. Peter Morales commended Rev. Miller’s work with UULMNJ in his introduction. Watch the sermon.

July 25, 2015 Million People’s March Against Police Brutality, Racial Injustice, and Economic Inequality. Begins at 12:00 noon at the Lincoln Monument at the intersection of West Market Street and Springfield Avenue in Newark, NJ. Come march with other NJ Unitarian Universalists behind our UULMNJ Black Lives Matter banner. UULMNJ is a co-sponsor of the event. Register and be counted!

Two important pieces of legislation were passed by both houses on June 25, 2015. S2381/A3723 would allow drug court participants to complete or “graduate” from drug court programs while using medication-assisted treatments to conquer their addictions. Bill A4218 would require dangerous domestic abusers to turn in their guns before they have the chance to do more harm. Both of these bills await Governor Christie’s signature. Please email the governor with the above embedded links or call the governor’s office at (609)292-6000 today and urge him to sign these pieces of legislation.

Next year’s calendar is being set. Mark your personal and congregational calendars now!

September 12, 2015: Training and strategizing for task force leadership and congregational liaisons at the UU Church at Washington Crossing in Titusville.
October 17, 2015: UULMNJ Issues Conference in Summit.
March 12, 2016: 2nd Annual NJ MUUsic Festival in Lincroft.
April 16, 2015: UULMNJ Plenary and Annual Meeting in Cherry Hill.

Young Adult Advocacy And Training Steering Committee Forming! UULMNJ is looking for young adults to serve on a steering committee forming this summer. The steering committee will help plan and implement our Spiritual Leaders Advocacy and Training Program. Board member Ethan Anderson (East Brunswick) and summer intern Amanda Phillips (Somerset Hills) are coordinating the program. If you or someone you know is interested in serving in this exciting and creative process for socially concerned young adults, please let us know. Contact Amanda at intern@uulmnj.org

UULMNJ Dismantling Racism Task Force is forming this summer as well. We are currently gathering names of people who would like to help guide UULMNJ’s response to racism. If interested, please contact Rev. Craig at director@UULMNJ.org.

UULMNJ has joined NJ United for Marijuana Reform. At the 2015 Spring Plenary the Board released a statement supporting marijuana legalization. This is a bold step for a faith community. UULMNJ does not endorse the recreational use of marijuana, just as it would not endorse the recreational use of tobacco or alcohol. The UULMNJ position is based on the concern for social justice. The current drug policy laws and the resulting incarcerations for minor drug possession adversely affects life opportunities for many young people, and especially young black men. Read the UULMNJ statement on Marijuana Reform. Read more.

YUUR Voice in Trenton: May 2015

by UU FA OfficeMay 20, 2015

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.

YUUR Voice in Trenton: Feb. 2015

by UU FA OfficeMarch 1, 2015

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If the winter doldrums have taken you hostage, UULMNJ has an antidote. Our First Annual MUUsic Festival, featuring choirs and musicians from seven congregations will be held Sunday, March 8 at 3 PM at the Morristown Fellowship. This promises to be a one of a kind opportunity for fun. Tickets are on sale now at http://bit.ly/1yIC6Yz.

Mark Your Calendars: Registration is now open for the Spring Plenary in Montclair on April 18. Register at http://bit.ly/16hBBgl. Stay up to date with information and attendees, invite friends or share the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1543470649257947/

UULMNJ target legislation bills are making their way through various committees. UULMNJ is watching legislation on solitary confinement, parole reform, housing foreclosures and domestic violence/gun control.

Every spring, the legislature becomes occupied with New Jersey’s proposed budget. A budget is an ethical document. It reflects the values and priorities of the State of New Jersey. Our coalition partners, Anti Poverty Network and NJ Policy Perspectives are helping to review the proposed budget in terms of a social justice agenda. Those will be covered in in our next edition

The NJ Supreme Court recently heard an argument to keep immigrants covered with NJ Family Care. The current legislation eliminates NJ Family Care for legal immigrants who have been in the state less than 5 years. UULMNJ has filed an amicus brief in this case.

A New UULMNJ website will be launched in the coming weeks! There will be a calendar for statewide congregational events. Watch for the unveiling.

New Development Director, Dianne Connell, was hired and has started work. An experienced UU, Diane is excited to work toward long-term growth for UULMNJ. You will be hearing more about a new development plan for UULMNJ in the near future. She can be reached at development@uulmnj.org

Congratulations to UULMNJ young adult board member Ethan Anderson. Ethan, who comes from our East Brunswick Congregation, was selected by Americans for Progress to attend the #Fight4AFuture Gun Violence Prevention Summit for young adults in March.

Hope to see everyone at the benefit MUUsic Festival on March 8. Bring friends!

YUUR Voice in Trenton: January 2015

by UU FA OfficeJanuary 28, 2015

Happy New Year from UULMNJ! Here are a few UULMNJ highlights:

Legislation: UULMNJ supported the following legislation and initiatives this past quarter. Thank you to all who helped make some of this legislation a reality: Bail Reform Legislation and Constitutional Amendment, Opportunity to Compete, Presumptive Parole, Earned Sick Days, Affordable Housing/COAH and Sandy Relief.
Stamp Out Despair Appeal: Many of our Congregations participated in the First Friends “Stamp Out Despair” Appeal sponsored by our Immigration Task Force. Although we don’t have exact numbers, we estimate that materials for about 75 writing packets and over $1000 in phone card contributions were provided to NJ immigration detainees. Thank you all for your generosity.
UULMNJ Sumer Internship Program is looking for two college students who would like to work with UULMNJ next summer. These are sponsored by the UU College for Social Justice. The work is 25 hrs./wk. and has a $1500 stipend. For more information contact director@uulmnj.org or apply directly to www.uucsj.org/internships
UULMNJ Educational Video Program “YUUR Voice” is available to be shown in your congregations. Five programs on immigration, mass incarceration, climate change and Affordable housing are available on the UULMNJ YouTube Channel.See the attached flyer for more complete information. The video program can be viewed on PrincetonTV, Channel 30 on Tuesday mornings at 7 AM and Thursday evenings at 9 PM.

Save the Dates:

March 8: New Jersey MUUsic Festival, Morristown Fellowship. Come hear UU musicians from around New Jersey come together to benefit UULMNJ.
April 18: UULMNJ Annual Meeting, Montclair UU Congregation. Keynote Speaker: Junius Williams. See our task forces in action.