New scorecard gives a ‘C’ to N.J. lawmakers on racial equity issues
“These grades shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone following the state government over the last couple of years,” Nicole Rodriguez, president of New Jersey Policy Perspective, said. “Just look at the latest state budget, where lawmakers approved billions of dollars in tax cuts that will disproportionately benefit white residents. At the same time, they’re passing new tough on crime laws that we all know will lock up more Black and brown people without making our communities safer. Advancing racial justice and closing the wealth gap will require thoughtful and targeted public policies, not more of the same ones that got us here.” – WHYY | July 14, 2023
“[New Jersey – July 12, 2023] In anticipation of the closing months of the 2023 New Jersey election, the NJ Black Empowerment Coalition Action Network (NJBECAN) released today a comprehensive report card of every current elected official in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate to empower voters across the state with an independent and unbiased assessment of elected officials’ voting records on critical issues that create equitable opportunity while also providing the state’s electorate with a needed watchdog to ensure greater accountability in prioritizing key issues that matter to Black and Brown voters.” – Official Press Release | PDF
“Just 8% of the Legislature’s 120 members received an A grade from the group — the New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition Action Network — while 25% received Ds.” – New Jersey Monitor | July 12, 2023
