We bring you highlights of the Rally for a Better New Jersey, recorded June 15 at War Memorial Plaza in Trenton NJ. "New Jersey can be a better place for our neighbors and families. The proposed FY07 budget takes important first steps in protecting all of our state's residents. It increases funding to many critical programs, improving the lives of New Jerseyans and making our communities more affordable for everyone. ...
"If passed, this budget will:
- Increase state rental assistance program and lead poisoning prevention funds.
- Expand hunger and homelessness prevention assistance, especially for veterans.
- End or lower state taxes for over 600,000 low- and moderate-income workers.
- Enroll an additional 50,000 children in FamilyCare.
- Fully fund child welfare proposals.
- Continue support for programs that serve people with disabilities.
- Provide crucial resources for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
- Fight gang violence by combating recruitment and increasing after-school activities. ...
"These programs are already in the budget; we need to make sure they stay there!"
Speakers:
- Barbara Thompson, Doorways to Hope, a supportive housing program in Trenton.
- Albert J Kelly (co-emcee), President & CEO, Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Bridgeton.
- Rev Bruce Davidson (co-emcee), Director, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries, Trenton.
- Paige Carlson-Heim, Acting Executive Director, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.
- Rev Louis Tharpe, Soul Saving Ministries of the Apostolic Faith, Bridgeton.
- Leann Howell, Riverdale (or Riverside), c/o New Jersey Citizen Action.
- Jan Ecker, Phillipsburg.
- George Berry, Elijah's Promise, New Brunswick.
- Etta Denk, Vice President of Community Development Group, JP Morgan Chase.
- Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-14).
- Assemblyman Bill Baroni (R-14).
- Paulette Eberle, Co-Chair, New Jersey Citizen Action.
- Denise Babin, Assistant Director of Consumer Outreach Services, Mental Health Association of Passaic County.
- Cecilia Zalkind, Executive Director, Association for Children of New Jersey.
- Dulce Gomez, Bridgeton, c/o Tri-County Community Action Partnership.
Relevant Links:
Housing and Community Development Network of New
Jersey
Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey
NJ Community Action Association
This program aired in the tri-state Camden, Philadelphia, and Wilmington area over 5,000-watt WTMR-AM 800 on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, at 9:00pm. We present it here for the world.