Strategizing for Progressive Policy

by: Barbara Buono

Thu Jun 03, 2010 at 09:43:34 AM EDT

Perhaps better than anyone else, Blue Jersey readers know what we as progressives are up against right now: an unprecedented assault from the right that threatens to derail our state's long tradition of social justice and foward-thinking leadership on the pressing issues of our day. We are facing a rollback of environmental regulations that protect workers and the public, disinvestment in public education, and policies that harm our most vulnerable and erode our civil rights.

The good news is that we're facing this crisis together.

As they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Well, it's time to stand up and get going. On Wednesday, June 16th, I'm going to be holding an informal gathering in New Brunswick where we can get together and share our ideas for the pursuit of a progressive agenda for New Jersey's future.

Tumulty's Pub
361 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Donation: $25 (includes admission, food, wine and beer)
Free parking available in the Wilson Deck after 5PM

Over the last decade, we've led the nation in turning our progressive values into public policy. Whether it's protecting working families through the Paid Family Leave Act, reining in carbon emissions with the Global Warming Response Act, enacting strong consumer protections, or making sure that every child has access to a quality public school education, we've set an example for other states to follow. Now is not the time to roll back that progress.

For the past half-decade, Blue Jersey has proven to be a true home for New Jersey's progressive community. I hope to put a face to some of the handles and comments I've read through the years. So I wanted to personally invite every Blue Jersey contributor and reader to come together offline and organize. Unless we plan now, so much of the progress our state has made will be lost - and we cannot let that happen.

So I hope everyone will join us for some good food and drinks, and even better conversation and progressive dialogue in New Brunswick on June 16th.

Please RSVP by Friday June 11th. You can RSVP on Facebook, by e-mail at ProgressivePolicyNJ@gmail.com, or call us at 732-494-6279.

Barbara Buono :: Strategizing for Progressive Policy

Tags: Senator Barbara Buono, Majority Leader, LD18, progressives, New Brunswick, (All Tags)

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Strategizing for Progressive Policy | 1 comments

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You are absolutely right in saying, "Unless we [progressives] plan now, so much of the progress our state has made will be lost." The tsunami called Governor Christie has so overwhelmed people with its breadth and depth that progressives/liberals/democrats and others have failed to come up with a coherent plan and to decide on which priorities to take a stand.

My stand would be 1) Protect those most vulnerable - those lowest on the socio-economic ladder for whom even small losses of money, services, and entitlements can be so harmful 2) Provide assistance to reduce unemployment and help those threatened with loss of their home. As we are still suffering from the Great Recession, we need to inject stimulus (job creation and home maintenance) not inflict pain (more firings and foreclosures) so that our economy will not stagnate but flourish.

I hope your meeting generates some consensus and initiatives that go beyond tactics and lead the way toward a coherent plan.

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

by: Bill Orr @ Thu Jun 03, 2010 at 14:55:06 PM UTC