For Immediate Release: February 16, 2021
Contact: Berenice Tompkins
Cell: 914/564/3094
Email: btompkins@njwec.org
What : As the official kick-off of the FY22 budget season approaches next week with the release of Gov. Murphy’s budget, Jersey Renews, a coalition of more than 65 faith, labor, community and environmental organizations, released a letter to Gov. Murphy urging full funding for the New Jersey Clean Energy Fund, dedicated funding for NJ Transit and robust investment in workforce development for the green e conomy .
In the wake of COVID-19, it is more urgent than ever that New Jersey invest in protecting the health of communities and workers. This includes safe, affordable mass transit, access to good jobs, and protection from air pollution and climate change, which pose the greatest risk to the communities and essential workers already hit hardest by the pandemic. Nevertheless, the FY21 budget increased raids to the Clean Energy Fund and exposed the reliance of NJ Transit on dwindling ridership.
Advocates will join to urge the state to build a budget that prioritizes these critical programs and sets New Jersey on track for a just, green recovery.
Who: Berenice Tompkins, Campaign Organizer, Jersey Renews
Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director
Andre Thomas, Training Manager, Center For Environmental & Energy Training, Isles
Janna Chernetz, Deputy Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Tanisha Garner, Ironbound Super Neighborhood Council President
Kevin Brown, State Director, 32 BJ SEIU
LaShaunda Carter, CEO, Sanctuary for Veterans
Jeff Tittel, Director, NJ Sierra Club
Sue Altman, Executive Director, NJ Working Families Alliance
Amy Goldsmith, Executive Director, Clean Water Action
Rev. Ronald Tuff, 2nd Vice Chair, Black Issues Convention
Debra Coyle McFadden, Executive Director, Work Environment Council
Doug O’Malley, Director, Environment New Jersey
When: 12 p.m., Wednesday, February 17
Where: Virtual event on Zoom. Register here: https://bit.ly/3jWvDZX