Fighting to Protect Abortion Access in New Jersey

Listen to our full discussion here

In the wake of the dangerous Texas court decision, I sat down with leaders from Planned Parenthood, ACLU NJ, and Agile Therapeutics for a discussion on the threat to abortion access in New Jersey. Thank you to each of the panelists for sharing how the decision to restrict medication abortion will be detrimental to women, healthcare providers, and investment in NJ’s innovation economy. Read more about the event here. 

To women seeking care in New Jersey: support is available and thankfully at the moment abortion is still safe and legal. If you are in need of care, click below to find a provider near you. https://www.abortionfinder.org

Addressing Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network Convention

Watch my full address here

It was an honor to speak at this year’s National Action Network Convention! Thank you to Rev. Al Sharpton for convening so many important conversations on the state of civil rights in America and what we can do to build a better nation for our kids and future generations.

Working so Every Family Can Access Affordable Childcare

Click to hear from the full panel

The lack of quality, affordable childcare in New Jersey is holding back the economic potential of both families and our state. Childcare providers are also stretched thin due to labor storages and high overhead costs. 

That’s why I introduced the Child Care for Every Community Act in Congress to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities by establishing a network of federally-supported, locally-administered child care options. No family would pay more than 7% of their income on childcare and for families making less than $130,000 a year the monthly cost of childcare would go down from over $2,600 to $200. 

I held a forum with New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, NJ Association for the Education of Young Children President Meghan Tavormina, NJ Business and Industry Association President Michele Siekerka, Advocates for Children of NJ’s Cynthia Rice, and parent and local police sergeant Anthony LoPorto to highlight the Week of the Young Child and the need for this legislation. To read more about the event, click here.

Building a Strong New Jersey Workforce

Barclays is investing in New Jersey with over 4,000 employees and growing at its high tech Whippany campus here in NJ-11. It was a pleasure to join them for an employee town hall hosted by their women in tech affinity group. Thanks to Hanover Township Mayor Gallagher and Craig Schlosser from the Morris County Chamber for joining!

Highlighting Additional 2023 Community Project Funding for NJ-11

As one of my 2023 Community Projects, I secured funding to assist William Paterson University students impacted financially by the pandemic to complete their degrees. Thanks to the students who joined me to share some of the day-to-day and long term affordability challenges they face and discuss how I can continue to support them as they pursue these academic opportunities.

With the major flooding issues we face here in Northern NJ, I am grateful for our partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. When I reached out to the Army Corps about the flooding that has historically plagued the area around Bethel Church in Morristown, they came for a field visit and recommended a feasibility study of the Whippany Watershed as the best next step. I was thrilled to join Army Corps NY District Commander Colonel Luzzatto, Bethel Church leaders, and local elected officials to kick off this study with funding and begin the work to determine the most effective options for mitigating Whippany River flooding. Watch a recording here.

Learn about how this project will enhance traffic safety & improve access to 50 businesses and 3 schools

Thanks to the advocacy of the Passaic County Board of Commissioners, Mayor Kazmark, and the Borough Council, I was able to secure funding to build a roundabout at the intersection of McBride Ave and Browertown Road in Woodland Park.

Speaking with Our Next Generation of Leaders

I hosted West Point Cadets from Captain Merklinger’s government course at my office for a conversation on my experience in the Navy and how I use those skills in Congress. Thanks to Morris County Commissioner Director and Marine Corps veteran John Krickus and Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Alex Burgos for adding their perspectives to the conversation as well. (But don’t forget, Go Navy beat Army!)

Thank you to the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, Gail Bierenbaum Women’s Leadership Council, and all of the Rider University students for inviting me to speak on campus. I appreciate all of your thoughtful questions and your interest in government and our democracy.

Congratulations to Ishan Sinha for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge! Ishan’s app, Shelter House, allows individuals experiencing homelessness to search for shelters based on their location. It was inspiring to hear from some of the App Challenge participants about how they are using their coding skills in creative ways to give back to their communities.

Listening to JESPY House Clients

JESPY House is a beloved institution in NJ-11, helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their goals and gain independent lives. I toured the Michael Och House in South Orange with members of the JESPY leadership team and board. Thank you to all of the JESPY clients for your questions about workforce development and independent living! Learn more about my visit here.

Supporting Seniors and Veterans

Listen to our conversation here

I held a telephone town hall with experts from AARP to answer questions from hundreds of NJ-11 seniors about how the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering the cost of prescription drug prices.

I visited the East Orange VA Medical Center to meet with newly appointed VA NJ Healthcare System Director Patricia O’Kane. We talked about ways we can work together to support New Jersey’s veterans, the new eligibility for veterans under the PACT Act, and how my office can support VA’s outreach efforts. We also discussed the Community Care program, and new initiatives for women veterans.

Learning From Jewish WWII Veteran and NJ-11 Resident Jerry Sorrell

It was an honor to sit down with WWII Veteran Jerry and his family to hear about how he escaped Europe shortly before the Holocaust, came to the United States, and enlisted to fight in the U.S. Army. His story is one of incredible perseverance that will be shared with future generations. Thank you Jerry for your service to our nation and our community.