Animal Protection Hopes for 2022 | Op-ed
2021 was not a good year for advances in animal protection legislation in New Jersey, hopefully 2022 will be different. When I was in the State Senate, I was optimistic New Jersey would be “The Humane State.” While we’ve…
Stopping Cruelty to Animals is Not a Political Issue, it’s a Humane Issue
The following is the testimony former State Senator Raymond J Lesniak gave at the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing today regarding Bill S3401. Stopping cruelty to animals is not a political issue, it’s a humane issue. Ten states have…
I honor Chessie Dentley Roberts on the First Day of Black History Month
Black History Month starts today. I’d like to kick it off by honoring Elizabeth’s own – Chessie Dentley Roberts. Admittedly, I’m biased. Chessie taught me civil rights as a student at Roosevelt Junior High School. She was a civil…
Why We Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day
The terrible violence perpetrated by Trump supporters on the Capitol of the United States which resulted in five deaths caused by protestors carrying American flags and even some Confederate flags is a powerful reminder of why we celebrate Martin…
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Defund the police or refund the police? That is the question we contemplate on this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Our police deserve to be celebrated for their every day confrontations of potential life threatening encounters. But while we…
STOP the Killing of 272+ Elephants. Embassy of Botswana
On Friday, Feb. 7, our Founder & President, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak recited the following keynote speech in Washington D.C., outside of the Embassy of Botswana Good afternoon, I’m Raymond Lesniak, the former New Jersey State Senator who…
Equality Should Not Be A Partisan Issue
Equality Should Not Be A Partisan Issue. Where Do Key NJ Republicans Stand On It? The House of Representatives passed the Equality Act with 236 votes for and 173 against. Eight Republicans voted in favor of the bill and…
Changing the Culture of Corrections
The Earn Your Way Out Act (S761/1986) (EWO) – the most significant criminal justice reform proposed in America was signed into law today’ Monday, January 20th, a historic day for criminal justice reform. Two years ago Governor Christie vetoed…
Adoption Ceremony For Vincent The Miracle Cat
Vincent, the miracle cat, was adopted today after four months in quarantine – a tribute to Sue who saved Vincent, Brenna who adopted Vincent, and my wife Salena who instilled in me her love for animals. When Salena…
Happy Kids Heal Faster
A long time friend of mine, Hank Sheinkopf, prominent political advisor to mayors, governors and presidents, called me last year and asked for a favor, “Could you introduce Toys for Hospitalized Children to hospitals in New Jersey?” I responded…