President Obama's Weekly Address 12/19/15: Top 10 Things that Happened in 2015

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, the President celebrated the end of the year tradition of list-making with a year-in-review list of his own. The President offered his roundup of the top 10 things that happened in 2015, all of which should make us optimistic about the prospects for 2016. This past year has been one where we’ve seen unprecedented progress in areas ranging from the Iran deal to marriage equality to concluding a historic trade agreement. The year 2015 brought economic growth, with our unemployment rate dropping to five percent; the normalization of our relations with Cuba and a newly opened U.S. Embassy in Havana; and a historic agreement in Paris to take real action on climate change. The President acknowledged the significant progress of the past year, and looked forward to 2016 and all we have yet to accomplish.

Pallone Introduces the Equality Act with Colleagues to End LGBT Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the Equality Act as an original cosponsor of the bill. The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation would apply to public accommodations, federal funding, education, employment, housing, credit, and jury service.

“No one should ever be discriminated against, live in fear of being fired, or be denied equal basic protections under the law because of who they love,” said Congressman Pallone. “As a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, I am proud to help lead the fight to rid our country of this unacceptable discrimination.”

Despite last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed marriage equality, discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in most states. For example, today, only 19 states offer employment and housing protections for the LGBT community. Furthermore, just 17 states prohibit discrimination for public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Among Pallone’s ongoing efforts for full LGBT equality, he has long-urged government action against LGBT discrimination in the workplace. He led letters in Congress asking the President to sign an executive order that would require any company seeking a federal contract to have adopted workplace policies against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2014, the President heeded the call and extended protections to LGBT workers.

Letter: Say No To Christie Bigotry With Glitter!

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

Governor Chris Christie has crossed a final line in his attacks on various groups of people in New Jersey - his various targets have included school teachers, public employees, medical marijuana patients and he is now attacking the United States Supreme Court for supporting the simple right to marriage equality for the LGBT community, after he long blocked gay marriage in New Jersey.

The citizens of our state are truly a rainbow mosaic of diversity and Christie has shown his true colors to New Jersey. He is too extreme for our state and his staff have been criminally indicted for alleged corruption.

I encourage citizens in favor of LGBT equality to mail envelopes filled with glitter in celebration of gay marriage being legalized to: Governor Christie, PO Box 1, Trenton, NJ 08625

New Jersey, Say no to Christie bigotry with glitter!



Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey

Quote Of The Day

"There's so much more work to be done to extend the full promise of America to every American. But today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we've made our union a little more perfect."

-- President Obama, in his remarks on today's Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage

Pallone Statement on Historic Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, which protects the right to same-sex marriage nationwide.

“The ruling is a huge victory for equality and our country. The Supreme Court has held what I have long argued and advocated – the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantees of due process and equal protection support marriage equality. I commend the Supreme Court for choosing inclusion rather than discrimination today. An immeasurable amount of time and effort has been dedicated over the years by groups and individuals committed to the basic fairness of marriage equality and proper recognition of its constitutionality. Today’s ruling is a historic culmination of those efforts. The landmark decision reflects what the majority of people in our country believe – all Americans have the freedom to marry whom they love.”

THE Congressman CHRIS SMITH PACKAGE.

By District 4 Coalition for Change

A Republican supporter of our movement to #stopchrissmith told us that her Republican friends were going to vote for the whole package, regarding Chris Smith.

So, we decided to review what is in the Chris Smith Package and here are our TOP TEN reasons to VOTE AGAINST Chris Smith.

1. Voted to close the government - closing parks, impacting veteran benefits and putting people out of work.

2. Voted for the Ryan Budge - cutting benefits for Veterans, the elderly and cuts long term care for the disabled and autistic. Also, reopens the prescription drug "Donut hole" impacting the elderly.
The Consortium for Disabled Persons, the Veterans and the Autistic Society urged Smith to NOT vote YES on the Ryan Budget - but he voted as a GOP block anyway and ignored is constituents.

3. He has not lived in NJ for over 30 years. His children received Virginia In State tuition for college. He was not here for 9/11, Irene or Sandy. Which is probably why he made an oath to NOT support any climate change legislation unless it also provided tax cuts for the biggest polluters, the Koch Brothers who wrote the pledge!

4. He voted Against Wage Fairness in 2014

5. Voted for Personhood over and over again. Personhood gives a fetus the same rights as an adult human. Personhood BANS ALL birth control, stem cell research and in - vitro fertilization.

6. Wrote Bill, HR3, redefining the language of rape to forcible rape. Women would have to be beaten, bloody or worse to prove they were raped based on Smith's definition.

7. Voted to OUTLAW the Birth Control Pill.

8. Smith is Against CHOICE even in cases of RAPE, INCEST and to SAVE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER.

9. Smith refuses to support common sense expanded Universal Background Checks that keep guns out of the hands of rapists, criminals, domestic abusers and terrorists. Even after 87 school shootings, Smith will not support Gun Reform.

10. Voted Against the VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN'S ACT IN 2013.

To boot, Smith will not support Marriage Equality.

Is that the package that the Republican's are voting for?

Who in this District does he actually represent?

Help us #stopchrissmith and his #waronwomen by sharing Smith's voting record and #GOTV

Towns in District 4 NJ
Allentown, Bayhead, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Englishtown, Fair Haven, Farmingdale, Freehold Township, Freehold Boro, Hamilton, Holmdel, Howell, Jackson, Lake Como, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Little Silver, Manalapan, Manasquan, Manchester, Middletown, Millstone, Neptune, Ocean, Pt. Pleasant, Pt. Pleasant Beach, Red Bank, Robbinsville, Roosevelt, Rumson, Seat Girt, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake, Tinton Falls, Upper Freehold, Wall, Neptune, Neptune City

Pallone Statement to Mark One Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality in New Jersey

Long Branch, NJ —Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of marriage equality in New Jersey:

“Today, we celebrate one year of marriage equality in New Jersey and offer a ‘Happy Anniversary’ to so many LGBT couples who were able to marry one year ago. Though the fight for this equality was difficult, thanks to many leaders throughout our state, New Jersey continues to be a national leader on civil rights issues.

“While today is certainly a moment to celebrate, there is much more work to do. LGBT Americans continue to face discrimination in the workplace and in many communities around the country. It is imperative that all Americans are able to enjoy the same rights, and that means putting an end to discrimination in all forms.”

What Health Reform s Already Doing

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

As the new health reform law continues to take effect, I held a roundtable discussion in South Brunswick last week with senior administration officials and patient advocates to ask: What’s working well? What can be improved? What further steps need to be taken?

I heard, of course, some concerns about the HealthCare.gov website, which has experienced technical difficulties in its early weeks. As the administration works to fix the website in the weeks ahead, help is available to apply for health insurance over the phone at 1-800-318-2596.


I also heard a great deal of optimism about what the law is already doing. The expansion of Medicaid is working very well, for instance: about 300,000 New Jerseyans are expected to be covered. In Central New Jersey alone, more than 6,000 young adults have gained health insurance through their parents’ plan. More than 100,000 seniors have gained access to Medicare preventive services without co-pays. And about 100,000 uninsured citizens are expected next year to gain health insurance for the first time.

Marriage Equality in New Jersey

This is a great moment for New Jersey. After so many years of discrimination, injustice, and legal uncertainty, same-sex couples finally have the right to marry in our state – and over the past few days, more than a few couples have already exercised that right.

The New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling recognized, rightly, that the only way to treat all families equally is to allow gay and lesbian couples access to the institution of marriage. Civil unions aren’t good enough; they deny legally married spouses access to such basic rights as Social Security spousal benefits, health insurance, and fair immigration consideration.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act was, I believe, so strong that every state sooner or later will have to follow New Jersey’s lead and treat all marriages equally.

White House Tours Available Once Again

As you may have heard, earlier this year the White House suspended all public tours due to budget cuts. Now, there’s good news: White House tours are once again available. If you are visiting Washington, D.C., I would be glad to try to help you secure tickets. I highly recommend that you request this tour up to six months in advance to increase the chances of availability. Requests are required six weeks prior to your trip to allow for the required security processing.

You may request tour tickets on my website. I encourage you also to consider requesting, via the same link, a tour of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. House of Representatives Gallery – a tour that is more inspiring and that my staff can lead for you and your family on fairly short notice.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Buono on The Ed Show: Christie has Failed to Move NJ Economy Forward

Yesterday on MSNBC's The Ed Show, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Barbara Buono called out Governor Christie for his abysmal economic record. The Governor's trickle-down economic policies have protected the wealthy at the expense of the middle class as 400,000 New Jerseyans are out of work, the poverty rate is at a 52-year high and middle class families are struggling to make ends meet. As Senator Buono highlighted, New Jersey is lagging behind the region and the nation in job creation.

Governor Christie has had four years to revitalize New Jersey's economy -- and it's clear he has failed. It's time to turn the page on Governor Christie's ineffective economic agenda.

Buono Campaign: Christie Out-of-Touch with New Jersey Values

New Brunswick, NJ - Buono for Governor Communications Director David Turner released the following statement in response to Governor Christie's new television advertisement: "On any number of issues important to New Jerseyans, Governor Christie has been out of step with the majority of the state. From opposing a woman's right to choose to vetoing marriage equality to siding with the gun lobby, Chris Christie has consistently taken right-wing positions that put his presidential prospects ahead of what's right for New Jersey." CHRISTIE'S BIPARTISANSHIP IS MORE ABOUT STYLE THAN SUBSTANCE John Nichols Of The Nation: Christie's "Bipartisan" Effort Were Often Gestures "About Style, Not Policy," And Contradicted By His Claim As A "Damn Good Republican And Good Conservative Republican." "WHEN Governor Christie was asked in mid-May about his political bona fides, he replied, 'I'm a damn good Republican and a good conservative Republican.' Believe what he says — especially the 'conservative' part. Sure, Christie goes out of his way to say nice things about President Obama, who worked closely with the governor to provide immediate and essential support to New Jersey communities battered by superstorm Sandy. And yes, Christie's been willing to call out some of the most absurd excesses of his fellow Republicans. But these gestures are about style, not policy. The first-term governor has been meticulous about positioning his fall reelection campaign as a "bipartisan" effort.." [Op-Ed John Nichols, Bergen Record, 5/20/13] CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION HAS REPEATEDLY BLOCKED IMPLEMENTATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DESPITE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, AND EVEN PRESSURED MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY TO REJECT Bergen Record Editorial: "From Maine To The District Of Columbia, New Jersey Is The Only Northeast Coastal State Refusing To Recognize Marriage Equality." [Editorial, Bergen Record, 5/9/13] 2/18/13: Christie Vetoed Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Six Hours After Passage. "Gov. Chris Christie Friday made good on his vow to swiftly veto a gay marriage bill that passed the Legislature this week, saying he'd only agree to a measure that would strengthen New Jersey's civil union law. Christie, a Republican, issued his conditional veto of the bill (S1) six hours after it reached his desk, and a day after the Assembly gave it final legislative approval. In a six-page statement, Christie said there is no fundamental constitutional right to same-sex marriage, but gay couples in New Jersey have all the rights and benefits of married couples through civil unions." [Star Ledger, 2/18/12] Christie's Administration Filed A Brief Defending State's Civil Union Act Called "The Most Incoherent Defense Of Heterosexual Supremacy Yet." "New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration filed a brief last week defending the state's 2006 Civil Union Act, which grants gay couples all the benefits of marriage yet bars them from actually getting married. The brief is Christie's first official legal statement on same-sex marriage. Given his apparent aspiration to be the next Republican nominee for president, it is especially too bad that the brief also may be the most incoherent defense of heterosexual supremacy yet." [Slate, 8/5/13] New York Times: Republicans Confessed They Fear Overriding On Marriage Equality. "Democrats need three more votes to override Mr. Christie's veto, which means they need cooperation from Republican lawmakers. But several Republicans have said privately that while they support same-sex marriage, they fear voting against the governor, who is famous for enforcing party discipline." [New York Times, 7/2/13] CHRISTIE VETOED VIOLENCE PREVENTION LEGISLATION THAT HAD WIDE SUPPORT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER BEING LOBBIED BY A NEW HAMPSHIRE PRO-GUN GROUP Star-Ledger Headline: "Poll: 3 Gun Bills Vetoed By Christie Have Wide Support In N.J." "New Jersey residents overwhelmingly support three gun control bills that Gov. Chris Christie last month either vetoed or refused to sign without significant changes, according to a new poll. The Rutgers-Eagleton poll of 925 New Jerseyans found that 65 percent either "strongly support" or "somewhat support" a bill to ban the .50 caliber Barrett rifle – which Christie proposed in April but vetoed when the Legislature sent a version to his desk. Support for the two bills Christie conditionally vetoed – meaning he recommended changes and sent them back to the Legislature – is stronger. Eighty-two percent support Senate President Stephen Sweeney's (D-Gloucester) "centerpiece" bill that would encode firearms purchase permits either on driver's licenses or a separate photo ID card, require gun buyers complete safety training to buy a firearm and expand background checks. Christie gutted that bill, removing its biggest provisions, and Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said Wednesday that he did not plan to concur with Christie's veto. Eighty-five percent said they support another bill Christie conditionally vetoed that would require the state report information on lost, stolen and lost and discarded guns to federal databases (A3797). [Star-Ledger, 9/19/13] Asbury Park Press Editorial: Christie Vetoed Three Gun Control Pieces After Being Lobbied By Gun-Rights Group In NH Against New Laws, And A Former NJ Republican Governor Who Were Supportive, "Demonstrating Once Again He Is More Interested In Angling For The 2016 Republican Nomination For President Than In Keeping The Residents Of New Jersey Safe." "On Friday, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed three of four pieces of gun control legislation, demonstrating once again he is more interested in angling for the 2016 Republican nomination for president than in keeping the residents of New Jersey safe, including those in the capital. The vetoes came after a gun-rights group in the presidential primary state of New Hampshire had warned Christie that signing the bills passed by the New Jersey Legislature could have negative consequences if he runs for president in 2016. At the same time, Christie ignored the advice of two former Republican New Jersey governors to sign all four gun bills. His vetoes and the stated reasons behind them are based on faulty reasoning and the hope that the right wing of the Republican Party will accept his prior apostasy on guns." [Editorial, Asbury Park Press, 8/19/13] MSNBC: "The National Rifle Association Quickly Took Credit For Gov. Christie's Decision." "The National Rifle Association quickly took credit for Gov. Christie's decision. 'NRA members did a tremendous job contacting state legislators and the Governor,' reads a statement posted Friday on the website of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action. 'Although anti-gun lawmakers ignored constituent messages and in some cases severely restricted public testimony, gun owners prevailed today as the Governor made the right decision on the three most consequential bills.'" [MSNBC, 8/18/13] CHRISTIE HAS CUT SUPPORT FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH DESPITE NEW JERSEY BEING A PRO-CHOICE STATE Christie Vetoed $7.5 Million In Family-Planning Services Funds, His 5th Rejection Altogether That Removed Services For Over 31,000 Female Patients. "That contrasts with what happened three days later, when Christie's office issued a Friday news release to announce that he had quietly vetoed nearly $7.5 million in funding for family-planning services. It was his fifth rejection of such funds during his term, which abortion-rights advocates say has resulted in the closure of six family-planning operations, including two sites in Burlington County and a Planned Parenthood office in Cherry Hill. Because of Christie, they say, the facilities now serve 31,000 fewer female patients statewide." [Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/14/13] Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie De-Funded $7.5 M From Family Planning Clinics, And Vetoed 5 Attempts To Refund It, That Led To A 24% Drop In Patients Since 2009, Six Clinics Closing While Others Cut Back Hours, And 30 Percent Less Criminal Breast Exams. "A group of female legislators is again asking Gov. Chris Christie to restore $7.5 million for women's health that he cut from the state budget. Perfect timing. If the governor vetoes this funding — for the fifth time — what will his argument be now? … As a result, family planning clinics saw at least 33,000 fewer patients last year than in 2009 — a 24 percent drop. The number of clinical breast exams fell more than 30 percent. Six clinics closed, and others had to cut back on hours or increase waiting periods. Fewer regular checkups mean higher health care costs in the future." [Editorial, The Star-Ledger, 6/18/13] Star-Ledger Editorial: A Christie Argument The State Cannot Afford A Program Was Hypocritical After Christie's Decision To "Blow" Millions For "Utterly Selfish Reasons" "On The Special Election — Just Three Weeks Before His General Election." The Star-Ledger wrote about Christie's $7.5 million in cuts to women's health. "We can't afford it? Please. Nobody can forget the millions more he just decided to blow on the special election — just three weeks before his general election — to fill the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat. Christie doesn't want to share the same ballot as Democratic favorite Cory Booker, the Newark mayor who could increase his party's turnout, because Christie wants to win by an even bigger margin to enhance his image for the 2016 presidential campaign. So he's spending $12 million for utterly selfish reasons." [Editorial, The Star-Ledger, 6/18/13] 2011: Two Republicans Said They Would Join Democrats In Reinstating Funding For Women's Health. "State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-12) said this afternoon that she intends to vote in favor of restoring $7.5 million in women's healthcare funding. Beck also urged her colleagues to vote in favor of the funding championed by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37) over repeated vetoes by Gov. Chris Christie. State Sen. Diane Allen (R-7) also said she intends to break in favor of the women's health bill." [PolitickerNJ, 5/23/11] Poll: Overwhelming Number Of New Jerseyans Support Pro-Choice Practices. "A new poll finds opinions on abortion have not changed much in recent years in New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie brought the issue to the forefront when he spoke at an anti-abortion rally in Trenton in January. A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Tuesday shows 10 percent of New Jerseyans surveyed believe abortion should be illegal. Half support keeping abortion legal with restrictions and 37 percent believe abortions should be allowed in all cases. More than half of those polled said Christie's speech didn't affect their opinion of him." [CBS News, 3/15/11] CHRISTIE BRAGGED HE NEVER HAD A VETO OVERRIDE BECAUSE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE Christie Stated He Has Never "Had One Veto Overridden In Three And A Half Years" Because "Of The Strength Of The Republicans I Have In The Legislature." "You know, we haven't had one veto overridden in three and a half years—not one. And that's because of the strength of the Republicans I have in the legislature." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] Christie Played Up "The Strength Of The Republicans I Have In The Legislature," As A Result Of The Party's "United Way Because We Believe In The Same Core Principles," Despite Disagreements. At the opening of his Campaign HQ, Christie said: "we have our disagreements between each other. We talk them through it and we come to compromises together. But then when we walk out—when we walk out to the business of the state done, we go out in a united way because we believe in the same core principles. We believe in a smaller government, and lower taxes. We believe in less regulation on business and empowering individuals in this state to reach their full potential, whether that's through a great education or getting the hell out of there way and let them run their businesses the way they want to run them, not [through] the government." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] Christie: "Actually I Have to Amend That Last Statement: After June 30th, I Don't Care If They Get Off Their Rear Ends And Do Their Job Anymore. You Know What I Want? I Want A Republican Legislature." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] CHRISTIE BROKE TRADITION BY REFUSING TO REAPPOINT A MODERATE JUDGE, IN ORDER TO NOMINATE A CONSERVATIVE JUDGE New York Times Editorial: Christie's Refusal To Renominate Judge John Wallace Was A "Case Of Political Overreach," And Was The First Time Since 1947 When A Judge Seeking Reappointment Was Not Renominated, "No Matter If They Were First Chosen By A Governor Of The Other Party. "When Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey chose not to renominate Justice John Wallace Jr. to the State Supreme Court in May, it was a case of political overreach. The situation is now a national disgrace, thanks to the governor, the State Senate president, Stephen Sweeney, and Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto. The integrity and independence of the court depend on a nonpartisan process for picking justices. From 1947, when the state Constitution was adopted, until this May, every governor has renominated every justice seeking reappointment, no matter if they were first chosen by a governor of the other party. The court is one of the most respected state appeals courts in the country. Governor Christie began a very different chapter when he chose not to renominate Justice Wallace, a sound jurist and political moderate who was the court's only African-American." [Editorial, New York Times, 12/15/10] Christie Bemoaned The "Historically Liberal Court As "Out Of Control" Over The Last Three Decades, Usurping The Roles Of The Governor And The Legislature In Setting Social And Tax Policies." "Speaking to reporters in Trenton, Mr. Christie had only kind words for Justice Wallace, but he described the historically liberal court as "out of control" over the last three decades, usurping the roles of the governor and the Legislature in setting social and tax policies." [New York Times, 5/3/10] New York Times Editorial: "Without Any Basis, The Governor Said That The Justice Had Contributed To "Out Of Control" Activism On The Court." [Editorial, New York Times, 12/15/10]  Associated Press: Justice John Wallace Was A "Moderate Justice." "New Jersey Democrats, furious with Gov. Chris Christie over his decision to replace a moderate justice on the state Supreme Court, vowed Tuesday to not even consider the Republican governor's nominee. Christie created a political firestorm Monday by failing to reappoint Justice John Wallace, the court's only African-American, and nominating Anne Patterson, a white private practice lawyer and fellow Mendham Township resident, as a replacement." [Associated Press, 5/5/10]

Buono Statement on Marriage Equality Ruling

New Brunswick, NJ - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono released the following statement following the Superior Court's decision legalizing marriage equality in New Jersey:

"Today's decision reaffirms that all New Jerseyans, no matter who they love, deserve the right to marry. It is a tremendous victory for everyone who believes in equality.

"It is also a stark reminder that Governor Christie stands on the wrong side of history. At every turn, he has prevented our gay brothers and sisters from enjoying the same rights as other New Jerseyans. He must now make a decision whether to continue to be an obstacle or to be part of the solution.

"The courts have spoken and the people have spoken. It is time for Chris Christie to stop blocking equal rights for all New Jerseyans."

A Historic Day:Statement from the Monmouth County Democrats regarding landmark court decision on same-sex marriage

The following is a statement from the Monmouth County Democrats regarding today's landmark court decision:

"The New Jersey courts have ruled that all couples must be treated equally under the law and that every New Jersey resident has the right to marry the person of their choosing. This is an historic day for thousands of Monmouth County residents who have been denied the right to marry for far too long. The significance of today's court decision will impact families all over Monmouth County.

It is our hope that the state recognizes this landmark decision - a decision that recognizes all New Jersey residents as equal under the law- and does not pursue an appeal. "

Buono Talks About Creating Jobs and Opportunity in New Jersey

Josh Levitt
Bouno for Governor:

- On WOMB Radio yesterday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono participated in a “Ask the Candidate” segment where she spoke about her background, policy positions and answered questions from listeners. As New Jersey families struggle to make ends meet under stubbornly high unemployment and skyrocketing property tax rates, Senator Buono outlined her plan to revitalize the economy by developing strong research partnerships, redirecting tax credits to small businesses and investing in infrastructure projects. As Governor Christie veers right in advance of the Republican presidential primary, New Jersey needs a Governor who will uphold its values. Unlike Governor Christie and his buddy Steve Lonegan, Senator Buono is supports marriage equality, pay equity, Planned Parenthood, a women’s right to choose and finding commonsense solutions to reduce gun violence. Senator Buono made clear that she will move New Jersey forward towards economic growth, prosperity and equality.

Watch live streaming video from townsquaremedianj at livestream.com

New Jerseyans Respond to Governor's Cowardly Stance on Marriage Equality

During a segment on "Ask the Governor," Governor Christie reiterated his opposition to marriage equality, pledging to once again veto a marriage equality bill should it reach his desk. Now, New Jerseyans are responding to Governor Christie's backwards, out of touch position by voicing their support for marriage equality in the Garden State. See for yourself below.

U.S. SUPREME COURT EFFECTIVELY OVERTURNS GOVERNOR CHRISTIE

Fror Immediate Release:
June 26, 2013

Aberdeen, NJ – Allison Friedman, Esq. And Matthew Morehead applaud the United states Supreme Court on its decision to strike down provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act pursuant to our Constitution's Equal Protection clause,proving once again that equality under the law is always the right course of action.

Matt Morehead & Allison Friedman

Governor Christie has vetoed the right to same-sex marriage. The State Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on February 13, 2012. It passed in the Assembly on February 16th. Governor Christie vetoed the bill the very next day and even called for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Friedman and Morehead issued the following joint statement, "The Supreme Court has rendered Christie's actions unconstitutional”. “The Declaration of Independence guarantees all citizens the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today's decision brings us one step closer to the goals set forth by our founding fathers. " said Friedman.

While New Jersey was not a party in the Supreme Court matter, “the fact that they overruled DOMA based upon constitutional, equal protection, concerns will effectively bar Gov. Christie from restricting these rights in the future;” said Friedman, and attorney who practices in Freehold, NJ.

Allison Friedman and Mathew Morehead are the democratic nominees for New Jersey State Assembly, Legislative District 13. The district includes the following areas of Monmouth County: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright and Union Beach.

Gay Daughter of Christie's Challenger Blasts the Gov

In case you missed it, yesterday Democratic gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Barbara Buono's gay daughter, Tessa Bitterman,wrote a letter and posted a Youtube video to Buono supporters discussing governor Christie's opposition to same-sex marriage. In it, Bitterman says she is a "gay American" and Christie is a "giant roadblock to New Jersey achieving equality for all.", and asks for our help to support  her mother's campaign.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has the story




Here's the full text:

Growing up, my mom was always there for me no matter what. I’m gay and from an early age I felt free to express myself with my mother, knowing she would always support me for who I am.

As a gay American I have a stake in what our governor says about marriage equality. And I have been deeply shocked by Chris Christie. As governor, he has been a giant roadblock to New Jersey achieving equality for all. By failing to support marriage equality, Christie is blatantly delegitimizing an entire group of people.

I have also seen Chris Christie misrepresent himself as a moderate to New Jersey – that’s why it’s even more important to stop him before he takes his radical show on the road when he goes national after this election.

My mom is facing a huge deadline on June 30th at midnight. If we want to stop Christie – if we want to keep his politics of polarizing and dividing people from spreading beyond New Jersey – we’ve got to click here and donate to my mom’s campaign before the big deadline on Sunday.

Now that Christie is running for re-election, he is more than happy to try and portray himself as a moderate. But the truth is – his record scares me. It scares me because if he takes his brand of deception national, all Americans are in for a rude awakening.

Congressma​n Frank Pallone Applauds President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today in response to President Barak Obama’s comments in support of marriage equality:

"I applaud President Obama’s statement today in support of marriage equality for all Americans. The President described his personal ‘evolution’ on the issue of marriage equality, which is an important starting point for the rest of the nation as we begin to move forward with affording same-sex couples equal rights under the law. “Now it’s time to get to work and begin to establish laws that protect same-sex couples and ease the path toward total marriage equality. Marriage equality is a civil rights issue and the opportunity to marry should receive rigorous protection under the law. I look forward to standing with President Obama and continuing to fight for the right for all Americans to marry the people they love.”

NJ Senate Dems target Beck with failed public safety override

Senator Jennifer Beck has flip flopped on marriage equality and women's healthcare due to politics. However, when it comes to protecting the streets of Asbury Park, Long Branch, Red Bank and the 11th District - She is siding with Governor Christie's drastic cuts.

By Max Pizarro PolitickerNJ

Unless your name is Whelan, Gordon, Polistina or Driscoll, most insiders see the post-redistricting legislative election year landscape as a bore snore: 37 or 38 Senate cocoons all but perfectly preserved against an opposing party onslaught.

But Democrats want to soften up their rivals where they can, and in light of the public safety argument, in particular, some of them see at least the shades of an opportunity in the newly formed LD11, where state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-11) seeks re-election.

"They think they have an opportunity to play there," Patrick Murray, pollster and political scientist for Monmouth University, told PolitickerNJ.com.

Beck broke with Republicans Monday to vote in favor of restoring $7.5 million for women's healthcare, signaling to Democrats that the incumbent is serious about a challenge from Freehold attorney Ray Santiago.

Today, state Sen. Paul Sarlo, (D-36), zeroed in on Beck as he tried to get her to consider backing restoring a line item of $50 million for public safety, a doomed proposition along with the other Christie cuts to the Democratic budget.

"I can only look at the budget as a whole," Beck told Sarlo.

Democrats hope Beck's reconfigured district, which now includes urban municipalities Long Branch and Asbury Park, will present outrage opportunities for the challenger as they try to sink Beck by tying her to Christie.

Two inside sources told PolitickerNJ.com that while they doubt they can topple Beck, Assembly Democrats want to try to get into a dogfight with the GOP in the 11th to pick off Beck's running mate, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande of Colts Neck

The Ultimate Hypocrisy:BECK FLIPS POSITION ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY DUE TO POLITICS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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The following is a statement issues by 11th District Democratic Senate Candidate Ray Santiago in response to a July 3rd Courier Post news report that incumbent Senator Jennifer Beck will flip her position on marriage equality:

"News this weekend that Senator Beck will now support marriage equality after voting against it when all of New Jersey was watching is not shocking to anyone who has followed Beck's career as a professional politician. She now faces a district which includes Asbury Park, Ocean Grove & other LGBT friendly areas - a new district which has 10,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans - therefore, it should come as no surprise that Senator Beck is flipping her position only due to politics.

The reality is that New Jersey taxpayers are tired of hypocritical, professional politicians who change their positions based on the political climate. Republicans, Democrats and all New Jerseyians should be tired of politicians who play the public. It is not like the Senator opposed marriage equality because it is in her belief system, it was simply due to the politics of a new district.This is an issue of human rights and Senator Beck plays politics - She voted against marriage equality not once, but twice - once in the judiciary committee and a second time on the floor of the senate and now because of a new district, she claims she supports it.

When it mattered most and the world was watching, Senator Beck decided to appease Chris Christie and her Tea Party base. All New Jerseyians who support human rights and full marriage equality for all of our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community will see through Beck's incredible hypocrisy.

I have and always will support full marriage equality for all New Jerseyians and 11th district residents can be assured that I will not change my position based on politics. Marriage equality is a human rights issue which I will fight day and night for until it becomes law. It is a sad day to see a New Jersey state senator play politics on an issue of human rights."

There's Still Work To Be Done On NJ Marriage Equality Bill

As we know from my last post, the state Senate Judiciary Committee last night narrowly approved historic legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey by a 7-6 margin.

It was a bold move on their part but the fight for marriage equality does not end there, there is still work to be done. The Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act now moves to the Senate floor for a full vote on Thursday.

It has been pointed out to me that one of the main reasons why New York's marriage equality bill was defeated recently was because New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. who is usually a gay rights supporter voted no on the the NY state gay marriage bill. He stated the reason for his "No" was over 70% of the email, calls and letters on the subject were against the bill.

The roll call vote was made it was carried out in alphabetical order, so his early no vote was an excuse for others to vote no and defeat the bill.

We can't allow this type of situation to happen again here in New Jersey, it's time to contact your NJ State Senate representatives and let them know that marriage equality for same sex couples is not a religious issue but a civil rights issue that is morally right.

Alphabetically Monmouth County's represntative Sen. Jennifer Beck(R-12th), would vote 5th and there for could sway others vote for or against this legislation. Call or email her office and tell her to vote in favor of marraige equality on Thursday unlike her vote Monday night against it.

Then do the same for each of Monmouth County's other State Senators Joe Kyrillos (R-13th) and Sean T. Kean (R-11th). Let them know that the rights that all opposite sexed couples share should be passed on equally to all couples that love each other irregardless of their sexual preferences.

If you don't live in Monmouth County but wish to contact one of your State Senators to express your support for the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act, here is the contact list for all of New Jersey's legislative members