Remembering 9/11 Together, Six Feet Apart
By: Ashley Gadalla Through the fog and smoke, they could not see. There was fire, glass, and piles of debris. With screams and cries, fear ran through the streets. 9/11 should have been a time of defeat. But from…
The LGBTQ+ Community & The Equality Act
By: Michael Gonzales, B.A. Political Science The LGBTQ+ Community, also known as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, etc. community, is much more than your average community: It’s a family. It’s a natural unification of similarly oppressed people to…
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…
What Happens to Bills That Were Not Passed During the Lame-Duck Session?
The 219th New Jersey Legislature begins its session on January 14, 2020 and with it comes expired proposed legislation, opportunities for new proposals, and new incumbents to contact. The lame-duck session is the period of time when the Legislature…
Sharks Need Their Fins, We Do Not
By: Jamie Zaccaria, Wildlife Conservationist, Burlington, NJ Governor Murphy has taken a huge step to make New Jersey a leader in conservation by signing S2905, which prohibits certain possession, sale, trade, distribution, or offering for sale of shark fins….
My Experience at a State Senate Meeting
Written by: Sabrina Ahmed, Lesniak Institute Intern, Fall 2019 On November 18th, I was given the opportunity to observe a State Senate meeting as a specialist intern for the Lesniak Institute. My superior, Sarah Mack, thoughtfully explained that the…
Desmond’s Bill: Testimonies
On Monday, November 18, 2019, Desmond’s Law was released from The Senate Judiciary Committee, unanimously in an 11/11 vote. Below are the testimonies of those who spoke at the committee meeting. Robin “Zilla” Cannamela, President / Co-Founder Desmond’s Army, Animal…
Earn Your Way Out: Testimony
On Thursday, Nov. 14, The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard testimonies from criminal justice advocates in support of Earn Your Way Out (EWO) S761/A1986 – the most significant criminal justice reform proposed in America. Here are some of those testimonies: …
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…
Vincent The Miracle Kitten Needs Your Help
For all of you who have been following Vincent the miracle kitten’s journey to recovery, I’m pleased to report Vincent is recovering well. As you know, Sue risked her well being to save Vincent and the Monmouth County SPCA…
Remembering Salena Lesniak
Today, we say goodbye to Salena Lesniak, our founder & president, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak’s wife and partner for over 20 years. Salena will be greatly mourned by so many, as she touched the lives of so many people…
GUEST BLOGGER: Alyssa Lego Advocates for Everyone to Share an Ice Cream Cone, Together
How must I begin to compile years of advocating for societal change in a short essay? How can I allow you a glimpse into my soul and my dreams through a screen? How can I leave you feeling inspired…
Voice of Reason: Recovery High Schools
The Voice of Reason Blog focuses on hot button issues with a reasoned approach not driven by ideology of either the left or right. Students diagnosed with substance use disorder need a safe, supportive environment to get an education…
Voice of Reason: Millionaire/ Path
Governor Murphy Wants A Millionaires Tax While Senate President Sweeney Wants To Cut The Cost Of Government The Voice of Reason says do both. What is going on in state government is, as Steve McQueen said in Cool Hand…
Voice of Reason: Equality Act
The Voice of Reason Blog focuses on hot button issues with a reasoned approach not driven by ideology of either the left or right. Time For Chris Smith To Go Chris Smith is the only Republican in the House…
Sports Betting Anniversary
Today, we celebrate the first anniversary of the Supreme Court decision declaring the federal ban on sports betting, PASPA, unconstitutional. My journey to bring legal sports betting to America started eleven years earlier on March 30, 2007 when my…
Voice of Reason: Gun Control
The Voice of Reason Blog focuses on hot button issues with a reasoned approach not driven by ideology of either the left or right. When will we ever learn? When will we ever learn? I qualified as a Sharpshooter…
Voice of Reason: The Green Amendment
The Voice of Reason Blog focuses on hot button issues with a reasoned approach not driven by ideology of either the left or right. Not to be confused with The Green New Deal Amendment, The Green Amendment would amend…
Voice of Reason: To Impeach Or Not To Impeach
The Voice of Reason Blog focuses on hot button issues with a reasoned approach not driven by ideology of either the left or right. The Voice of Reason comes to this issue with an opinion that President Trump is…
