WPCNJ Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates
Trenton, NJ - The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives."
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling."
Prominent Statewide Women's Groups Call On Unapologetic Space to Resign
WPCNJ, founded in 1972, is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus and is the authoritative voice for women in New Jersey politics. WPCNJ is a multi-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protecting reproductive freedom, and promoting equal rights for women.
WPCNJ Mourns the Passing of Long-time Board Member Hon. Eileen Thornton
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of long-time Board Member Eileen Thornton, a staunch proponent of advancing women and a pioneer for women's political advocacy in the state.
WPCNJ President Chrissy Buteas said, "New Jersey mourns the passing of Eileen Thornton, a tireless advocate and role model for young women, who long demonstrated that women have a seat at the table. Eileen was a friend and mentor to many with a contagious passion and energy that will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with Eileen Thornton's family at this time."
Read more2017 Ready to Run Scholarships
(Please note "WPCNJ" in the "How did you hear?" part of the registration form)
Scholarships are limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis.
WPCNJ BOE member Patricia Teffenhart Keynote Speaker for Women's March Asbury Park
Join WPCNJ board member Patricia Teffenhart, executive director NJCASA at Women's March Asbury Park on January 21st! Event starts at 12:00pm - Register here
Join the March on New Jersey - Saturday, January 21
Early arrival is strongly encouraged due to the large turnout anticipated.
Thank You - WPCNJ Passion * Power * Progress Awards Reception
We would like to extend our congratulations to our honorees and thank our friends, sponsors & event committee members for their generous support of WPC's 2017 Passion Power Progress Awards Reception!
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey hosted its Annual Passion * Power * Progress Awards ceremony on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. The spirited event was a great success, honoring those whose leadership, civic involvement, and professional efforts have helped make New Jersey a better place for women.
This year, WPCNJ was proud to present the following awards:
The evening's Master of Ceremony was the Honorable Chrissy Buteas, President of WPCNJ. We were pleased to be joined by many elected officials including; Senator Linda Greenstein,
Along with State lawmakers, the event was also attended by several county &
local elected officials.
We would also like to thank our volunteers from the Rutger's Student Caucus Chapter, Toni Gingerelli, Aasha Shaik, Margaux Taylor, Irum Yasim, Saba Yasmin.
Tonight: WPCNJ's 2017 Passion * Power * Progress Awards
Executive Women of New Jersey and Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Statement in Support of S-992, NJ Pay Equity Act
On Monday, December 19th, the New Jersey State Legislature will vote to override the veto of S-992, the NJ Pay Equity Act, a bill designed to empower women with the tools needed to gain equal pay for equal work. Data shows that if New Jersey's women received equal pay for equal work, the poverty rate for working women in the state would drop by half and the economy would grow by $16.6 billion according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research. The NJ Pay Equity Act was passed earlier this year by both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. Our organizations, which represent women leaders across the state, strongly urge the legislature to override the veto of this bill.
It is deeply disturbing that we are still debating whether women should receive equal pay for equal work. Equal pay should not be controversial nor should it be negotiable. As evidenced in the 2015 EWNJ report on gender diversity in senior corporate leadership, "A Seat at the Table: Celebrating Women and Board Leadership," women deliver significant and quantifiable business value to companies. At companies where women comprise 15% or more of the senior management there is a 52% higher return on equity and a 22% higher ratio of dividend payout than those with 10% or fewer women in management. Nonetheless, New Jersey women are still only paid 80 cents for every dollar earned by men and this number is substantially worse for women of color. Moreover, the wage gap is prevalent across all business sectors and educational backgrounds. This inequity not only negatively impacts women and their families, but it also harms the economic progress of our state. It is time for New Jersey to ensure that women are paid based on their work and merit rather than their gender.
Maureen Schneider, Ph.D., MBA President
Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ)
Chrissy Buteas
President
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ)
