Friday, October 19, 2012

NJ Tells Congress Overturn Citizens United !

This isn't just good news it's great news  from Susannah Newman of the  NJ Coalition to Overturn Citizens United, in the fight to overturn Citizens United.


Great News,

New Jersey is now officially the 9th state to tell Congress it must vote to overturn Citizens United through a Constitutional Amendment ! Both NJ state resolutions (AR86 and SR47) will go directly to Washington - congratulations and thank you.

AR86 passed yesterday afternoon by a roll call vote: 49 Yeas - 23 Nays - 6 Abstain - 2 Not voting.
There was only one Republican Yes vote and that was from Asm. Ciattarelli of District 16. (If you live in his District, please take a moment to thank him for his vote.) Clearly, we have much "continuing education" to do before an amendment comes back to NJ for ratification. It would be good to contact your state Senator and Assembly members and tell them how pleased you are to know that NJ is now the 9th state and on the right side of history. They need to know their constituents are tracking their actions.

Meanwhile, our next step is to make contact with our Congressional representatives, tell them that NJ has become the 9th state and ask each of them to go on the record in support of the state legislature and an amendment-to-overturn. If any are currently running for (re)election, state that their position on overturning Citizens United is central to your vote. To date, Congressmen Holt, Pallone, and Sen. Menendez have stated they are in favor of an amendment - Sen. Lautenberg has said he needs to hear from NJ citizens, so lets clog his email and voicemail. All others also need our pressure to go on the record NOW.

The NJ Coalition to Overturn Citizens United is also working to grow the number of resolutions-to-overturn passed at the municipal level. So far there are four: the Borough of Highland Park, Lawrence, Princeton, and Franklin-northern Townships. If you think you could help to introduce a resolution in your municipality, email me; tell me which municipality and I will send you a prepared resolution with which to work.

This is what people power looks like. People are rising up all over the country and saying they want a government of, by and for the people; NOT of, by, and for the money !!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your help with this effort.

Onward,
Susannah

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Susannah Newman, Coordinator NJ Coalition for the Overturn of Citizens United
snewman@brockport.edu

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