WPCNJ Expresses Gratitude and Congratulations to Senator Loretta Weinberg on her Retirement
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For the women who choose to serve, work and volunteer in the volatile world that is New Jersey politics - a field dominated and controlled mostly by men – Senator Loretta Weinberg has been our fiercest advocate, our source of inspiration, our conscience, and our consummate role model.
The Senator’s ability to amplify women’s voices in the political process and to elevate women to serve in meaningful leadership roles has never wavered. Indeed, the footing we rely upon in advancing women’s issues today is a direct result of her longtime efforts to stand up for the most marginalized in our society. When leaders failed to meet this standard, or if they threatened to take us backwards, she has never hesitated to hold them accountable.
Her strong, capable leadership has guided so many women in New Jersey government and politics. She helped us find our voice, pursue our goals and achieve real progress in so many important areas. In a time when family obligations are still disproportionately shouldered by women, she has served as an example of how to balance private lives with public service.
Most importantly, she has taught us that the progress women have achieved is not accidental. It has been hard-fought and earned inch by inch. Today, we recommit ourselves to build upon those achievements and follow her example.
The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey sincerely thanks Senator Weinberg for the vital work she has performed throughout her distinguished career, and for being a source of inspiration and support for current and future women leaders.
Your physical presence will be profoundly missed, but we promise you that your legacy will carry on. We wish you all the best in your retirement and very much hope you will, at least occasionally, continue to hold our feet to the fire.
WPCNJ To Honor Michael Egenton, Good Guy Award Recipient
Michael Egenton serves as Executive Vice President, Government Relations for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, representing the business community on legislative and regulatory matters to the Governor, State Legislature, various State Agencies and the Press.
Michael is the State Chamber’s Chief lobbyist on environmental, energy, labor, state budget, transportation and local government issues. He currently serves as chair on the advisory board for the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University - Camden. This 26-member body is committed to advancing southern New Jersey through the research conducted at the policy center.
He is also the longest active serving member on the New Jersey Clean Air Council, an advisory group appointed by the Governor that makes recommendations to the state of New Jersey on matters and programs pertaining to air pollution control.
Prior to coming to the State Chamber, he worked at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), analyzing environmental statutes, rules and regulations that impact New Jersey businesses.
Michael also was the Project Director and Principal Author of Modern Forms of Municipal Government, a report published by the New Jersey State Commission on County and Municipal Government.
Michael Egenton is New Jersey-born and educated. A native of Plainfield, Union County, he is a graduate of Seton Hall University and has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Kean University.
Michael and his family currently reside in Voorhees Township, Camden County.
WPCNJ Proudly Endorses Two Candidates in Legislative District 25
Trenton, NJ – The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) proudly endorses Rupande Mehta for State Senate and Darcy Draeger for State Assembly in the 25th Legislative District. Mehta and Draeger support WPCNJ’s mission to uphold and protect reproductive freedom and achieve equal rights for all women.
WPCNJ is honored to support these talented women who are ready, willing and able to fight to improve the lives of all New Jersey citizens. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we come together and encourage New Jersey residents to vote and to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms we care so deeply about. WPCNJ feels very fortunate that the citizens of LD25 have the opportunity to vote for two well-qualified and dedicated women.
WPCNJ, founded in 1972, is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus. It 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 Loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) mourns the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was the second woman to hold a seat on the US Supreme Court and served almost 30 years, becoming the most prominent member of our nation’s highest court.
Justice Ginsburg devoted her life to defending constitutional democracy and fighting tirelessly for gender equality. Her historic tenure profoundly improved the lives of American women.
She championed women’s rights against discrimination, push to secure voting rights and supported the right to access health care – including birth control.To say she’ll be missed is an understatement. She was a true trailblazer for all women.
As a women’s organization committed to, among other goals, protecting reproductive freedom and creating a women's political power base to achieve equality for ALL women, we rededicate our efforts to elect more pro-choice women to office and ensure Justice Ginsburg’s legacy is not only honored, but endured.
Vote by Mail - Ballot Information
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WPCNJ Stands in Solidarity to Advance Equality
"The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey expresses our deepest sympathies to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Kathryn Johnston and countless others that have lost their lives to senseless and racist violence.
As an organization that strives to achieve true equality for women in New Jersey, the Women's Political Caucus stands in solidarity with individuals and organizations dedicated to dismantling structural and systemic racism and achieving justice for victims of racism.
Meaningful equality will never be achieved until discrimination against ALL oppressed groups and individuals is fully eradicated.
We encourage our members and associates to consider supporting organizations working to advance equality and end systemic racism. A list is found below. Some educational opportunities are also found below. Please contact [email protected] if you have additional organizations you would like added to the list.
--Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
WPCNJ Commends Governor Phil Murphy on his Nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) commends Governor Phil Murphy on his nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to serve on the New Jersey Supreme Court. If confirmed, the former U.S. attorney will become the first black woman to serve on the Court.
WPCNJ President Jennifer Mancuso stated, "WPCNJ believes that elevating more qualified women to high-level elected and appointed positions in government and in the judiciary is sorely needed to achieve meaningful equality for women and to add diverse perspectives that contribute to fairness and inclusivity necessary to govern our society. This is doubly true for women of color who face additional cultural and institutional barriers that stand in the way of their achievement to the highest levels of government. With her depth of experience and achievements, Ms. Pierre-Louis would serve the New Jersey Supreme Court well. WPCNJ supports Governor Murphy's nomination and applauds his efforts to add diversity to New Jersey's judicial system."
2020 WPCNJ State Legislator, Local and County Endorsements
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is dedicated to increasing women's participation in the political process, increasing the number of women in elected and appointed office, protecting reproductive freedom, and creating a women's political
power base to achieve equality for all women.
If you are a 2020 woman candidate for the office of State Legislator, Mayor, At Large Freeholder, or County Executive - WPCNJ invites you to seek an endorsement. Candidates must be members of the Caucus in good standing and complete the endorsement questionnaire.
Please email [email protected] if you are interested in receiving a questionnaire.
New Jersey Needs More Women in High-Level Political, Elected and Appointed Positions
Jennifer Mancuso, the President of the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ), testified on Wednesday during the Workgroup on Harassment, Misogyny and Sexual Assault in New Jersey Politics hearing. The committee, lead by Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and Senator Loretta Weinberg, met to further discuss sexual harassment and misogyny in New Jersey politics.
Jennifer was quoted in Insider NJ for stating "sexual harassment is no surprise to any woman in state politics." She discussed that New Jersey needs more elected and appointed women in high-level political positions in government. And the place to start, was to put more women on the state's Reapportionment Commission.
We need to encourage and support more women who are willing to serve in positions of power, and we must hold our current leaders accountable when they do not facilitate that objective. Right now, both the Democratic and Republican Party have a chance to show that they are serious about changing current culture - which shapes what happens in private conversations
and more intimate interactions - and that they are willing to do something about ensuring
women and other marginalized groups are better represented, better supported and better
valued.
and more intimate interactions - and that they are willing to do something about ensuring
women and other marginalized groups are better represented, better supported and better
valued.
One of the WPCNJ's core objectives is to increase the number of elected and appointed women in office. It's clear achieving that goal requires working to remove barriers that hinder women from getting involved, or staying involved, in politics. New Jersey needs to do a better job supporting and promoting women's political leadership.
WPCNJ Hosts First Virtual Annual Meeting
The Women's Political Caucus hosted its first virtual Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening.
Congratulations to WPCNJ Officers, Board of Directors and WPCNJ PAC Chairs who were re-elected for another term.
Special thanks to Jeralyn Lawrence, Esq., Founder, Lawrence Law & Pam Yuen, Government Relations Manager, YWCA
for sharing their professional wisdom and providing resources available to victims of domestic violence.
