Over 60 Labor, Advocacy, Community and Constituency Groups Call On Legislative Leadership to Adopt Worker Friendly Agenda at Dawn of New Legislative Session
For Immediate Release: January 11, 2018
Contact: Anne Songcayauon, asongcayauon@workingfamilies.org, 201-233-7735
Over 60 Labor, Advocacy, Community and Constituency Groups Call On Legislative Leadership to Adopt Worker Friendly Agenda at Dawn of New Legislative Session
Organizations from across regions, constituencies and agendas, sign open letter urging quick legislative action to address rising income inequality
NEWARK –Today, a diverse group of labor, community, social justice, and voter organizations from across the state delivered an open letter to incoming Senate and Assembly leaders urging them to adopt a three pronged approach to the rising income inequality gripping the state.
As New Jersey prepares for a new legislative session, latest data from the Census’ American Community Survey ranks the state 12th highest in the nation in income inequality. Income inequality in Essex County ranks 19th highest in the nation and 14 out of 21 New Jersey counties have seen an increase.
The letter is the latest sign of growing momentum to push worker friendly policies in the new administration. The advocates called on Senate and Assembly leadership to take quick action on three measures they assert can begin to stabilize working families across the Garden State. In the letter, advocates urged to set the state on a path towards a $15 minimum wage that extends to all workers, the expansion of earned sick day mandates beyond the 13 municipalities that enacted local ordinances, and strengthening anti-wage theft measures to protect workers from unscrupulous, law breaking employers. This letter is part of a broader campaign by the signatories to urge legislative action.
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The New Jersey Working Families Alliance is a grassroots independent political organization fighting for a government that represents the needs and values of working families. We elect candidates who share our values and organize campaigns to advance progressive policies. Together we’re building a movement of working families to fight for economic and social justice in New Jersey.
