To the editor:
This November, the towns that comprise NJ legislative district 26–Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parisppany, Troy Hills, Rockaway Twp, Verona, West Caldwell and West Milford–will be going to the polls to vote for our state representatives. Those of us at NJ 26th for Change, a grassroots, nonpartisan group of men and women striving to make the work of our three current legislators–Asm. Jay Webber, Asm. BettyLou DeCroce and Sen. Joe Pennacchio–more transparent to their constituents, want to share their voting records with you so you can make an informed choice.
During 2016-2017 these legislators consistently FAILED to protect:
- WOMEN (voting against the protection of victims of domestic violence (A1211/S805); voting against sexual discriminations (A2750 / S992); voting against family planning (A3492);
- CHILDREN (voting against $ 10 million to fund Lead Hazard Control (A1378); voting against requiring school buildings to be equipped with emergency light and panic alarm linked to local law enforcement (A191); voting against requiring school nurses to have 30 hours of study credits (A1256)
- HEALTHCARE: (voting against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACR222); voting against providing reasonable accommodation in assessing providers for persons with physical disabilities (A1933); voting against allowing terminally ill patients to end their life in a humane and dignified manner (A2541)
- WORKERS (voting against raising the minimum wage to $ 10 per hour (A15); voting against requiring the State to fund the pensions of workers in a timely fashion (ACR 109); voting against prohibiting employment discrimination based on applicant employee status (A3440)
The list goes on. Did you know that at least one of your state legislators voted AGAINST school breakfasts, AGAINST the right of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder to use medical marijuana, and AGAINST the right of women to receive outreach and training in the construction industry? Let’s not allow these records of Webber, DeCroce and Pennacchio to continue growing longer. The deadline for Democratic challengers is April 3, 2017, and for Independent challengers is June 6 2017.
We believe New Jersey can do better! We urge all residents of district 26 to look closely at the voting records of these legislators (on the New Jersey Legislature website) and to join us on NJ 26th for Change as we hold our representatives accountable and support candidates who care about ALL of us. It is time for our state legislators to fight for what matters most to us like decent wages and access to employment, and common sense laws to protect our schools, our health and our environment. Learn more about us at on NJ 26th For Change’s website and on Facebook.
Sincerely
Charlie Gray and Laura Morowitz
Verona residents, for NJ 26th for Change
