DC Trip to meet with NJ's Congressional Delegation

BlueWaveNJ went to Washington D.C. on Jan. 29 to meet with the members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to discuss our national agenda as well as listen to their priorities. In addition to the members of our health care, environment, economic security and election reform committees, we also had a number of young people on the bus concerned about college affordability and the staggering level of student debt they and their friends have accumulated. 

BlueWaveNJ went to Washington D.C. on Jan. 29 to meet with the members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to discuss our national agenda as well as listen to their priorities. In addition to the members of our health care, environment, economic security and election reform committees, we also had a number of young people on the bus concerned about college affordability and the staggering level of student debt they and their friends have accumulated. In each of our meetings, we gave the representative and staff a list of BlueWaveNJ’s 2019 national priorities and thanked for their support of progressive legislation. In particular, we thanked our entire house delegation for co-sponsoring the symbolic, but extremely important, For the People Act (H.R. 1) which tackles money in politics, ethics, voting rights and non-partisan redistricting, and for co-sponsoring the Bipartisan Background Check bill (H.R. 8), as well as their multiple actions to force a reopening of our federal agencies after President Trump’s unprecedented 35-day shutdown. During an extremely busy day, we met with 11 NJ members and their staff, including our two senators and 9 members of the House of Representatives.

One of the takeaways from the visit is how fortunate we are to have such a large number of thoughtful, knowledgeable and progressive Democrats. We were impressed with the quality of leadership as well as their willingness to meet and exchange ideas. Despite limited time, we were able to have a number of substantive conversations on the issues. A brief overview of each meeting is below.

If you have particular questions or would like a more in depth summary of a particular meeting, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Perhaps you wouldn’t know it with all the turmoil surrounding Donald Trump’s government shutdown, but congressional Democrats are quietly going on the offensive to strengthen our democracy.

On the third day of the new Congress, Representative John Sarbanes of Maryland and Speaker Pelosi introduced H.R.1, the “For the People Act of 2019”, “to expand Americans' access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and for other purposes.”

As we celebrate the New Year and head into 2019 we want to thank you for making BlueWaveNJ's 2018 accomplishments possible.

BlueWaveNJ members participated in over 1,700 canvassing shifts, that resulted in knocking on over 51,000 doors. We handed out over 20,000 postcards at train stations and canvassing events comparing the candidates positions on healthcare and the environment. The blue wave swept through New Jersey and we are proud that almost our entire congressional delegation is blue.

BlueWaveNJ commends the legislature for listening and responding to the chorus of concerned voters and experts who testified against the redistricting resolution. We thank the leadership for pulling the resolution from this Monday’s agenda and for agreeing to respond to the testimony presented.

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee,
This redistricting amendment to the New Jersey Constitution does not represent a better plan to
draw our legislative districts. Instead, if adopted, the plan would leave New Jersey vulnerable to
abuse and gerrymandering. If our state’s citizens are going to have confidence in our
democratic systems, we must ensure that these systems are fair, transparent, representative
and non-partisan.

The NJ State Legislature is attempting to fast track a new redistricting plan that results in politicians picking their voters, not voters picking their politicians. If adopted the plan would leave New Jersey more vulnerable to abuse and gerrymandering.  Moreover by not including a separate "racial fairness" provision, the plan marginalizes minority voters  Redistricting of this kind is unacceptable no matter what party it comes from and New Jersey deserves better.

We want to thank you for making the Blue Wave possible.

BlueWaveNJ members participated in over 1,700 canvassing shifts, that resulted in knocking on over 51,000 doors. We handed out over 20,000 postcards at train stations and canvassing events comparing the candidates positions on healthcare and the environment.

Donald Trump just crossed a red line, violating the independence of the investigation pursuing criminal charges in the Trump-Russia scandal and cover-up.

Trump putting himself above the law is a threat to our democracy, and we’ve got to get Congress to stop him.

We're mobilizing immediately to demand accountability, because Trump is not above the law.

Once you sign up, make sure to invite friends to join you at the event!

Election Efforts

We have been canvassing throughout the state for the amazing candidates running for Congress in the 11th, 7th and 3rd. We've knocked on thousands of doors already and we will continue to support these candidates all the way through election day!

Learn more about our election efforts here.