Regional Policy News Highlights
Voter turnout in New Jersey sets high watermark
New Jersey Monitor
"About 54% of the state’s registered voters cast a ballot this year. That’s the highest percentage in a New Jersey state election year since at least 1998, and it exceeds turnout in every congressional midterm since then except 2018."
N.J. Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announces transition team, lists utility costs, homebuyers credit, kids’ safety as top priorities
WHYY
"Sherrill, who will be sworn into office next January, will become the second woman to occupy the governor’s office in the Garden State. Christine Todd Whitman, who served as governor from 1994 to 2001, was the first."
Before Sherrill can be sworn in, she must resign from Congress. The timing is key
NJ Spotlight News
"If she steps down too early, Sherrill could miss key votes in a tightly-divided Congress where one vote can make the difference between a bill passing or not. But if she stays in Congress too close to her swearing-in, Sherrill would limit her time to prepare for the governorship."
Twenty takeaways on the 2025 Blue Wave and what comes next
New Jersey Globe
"Mikie Sherrill beats Jack Ciattarelli by more than 13 points. Democrats gain as many as five seats in the State Assembly, giving them their largest Assembly majority since the Watergate wave of 1973. Towns across the state that voted for Donald Trump last year, wealthy suburbs and majority-minority cities alike, return to the Democratic column."
Upcoming Events
Social Workers for Justice
Monday, November 10, 2025 • 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
Location: Zoom
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It’s your time to speak up and shape the future of social work. Come connect, learn, and use your voice to build the power of Social Workers! Hear about our licensing campaign and organizing on workforce and community issues. Join our open welcome call to explore how you can join the movement.
What's on Your MAP? Building a Career in Community Impact
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
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Curious about what recent graduates are doing with their Management & Policy (MAP) degree? Join Jennifer Sevilla, MSW, for an inspiring MAP Chat as she shares her journey in social work and community leadership. Learn how her experiences shaped her path, the lessons she’s gained along the way, and her advice for students charting their own purpose-driven careers in service and impact. All students who attend this event will earn one practicum hour.
National Policy News Highlights
Democratic candidate for Congress criticizes deal to end shutdown – which her mother voted to advance
The Guardian
"Jeanne Shaheen, her mother and a US senator of New Hampshire, was one of seven Democrats to break ranks with party leadership on Sunday night and vote to advance a funding bill that will end the 40-day shutdown without securing guarantees for healthcare subsidies."
Democrats are hopeful again. But unresolved questions remain about party’s path forward
AP News
“All of these candidates who won in these different states were focused on peoples’ everyday needs,” Shapiro said. “And you saw voters in every one of those states and cities showing up to send a clear message to Donald Trump that they’re rejecting his chaos.”
After California's vote to counter Trump, here's where redistricting stands
NPR
"Usually states redistrict after the census early in the decade. But President Trump convinced Texas to pass a map tilting five more House seats there to Republicans. California responded with a map helping Democrats win five seats. Other states have joined the race and the GOP has more options for gains."
Long prison sentences function as involuntary sterilization of incarcerated people
Prism
"With time off for good behavior, I will be 40 years old when I’m released next year, and having a child after spending nearly my entire adult life in prison would be irresponsible for several reasons. Additionally, the commonwealth of Virginia, where I am incarcerated, has effectively rendered me unable to have children—not through surgery or medication, but by keeping me imprisoned through the years when I might have become a parent."
Professional Opportunities
Community Engagement Manager- CINQCARE (Hybrid in New York, NY)
Community Development Associate- Grameen America, Inc (Newark, NJ)
Community Connections Coordinator- Community Food Bank of New Jersey (Egg Harbor Township, NJ)
Job Development Specialist - Supportive Housing -Women in Need (Brooklyn, NY)
Highlight of the Week
Mutual Aid Grocery Shopping
"The idea is simple: while you're doing your regular grocery shopping, pick up a few extra items for someone in town who could use a little help this month. You’ll be paired with a neighbor based on the store you already shop at — so there’s no need to go out of your way."
Currently I have 5 volunteers without someone to shop for near or around Somerville (I am looking for people within a 10-15 miles radius).
This is the request form for people who need assistance.
This is the volunteer form for people who can volunteer.
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The Social Work Policy Network's e-newsletter is created by:
Ebonia Moody, MSW Graduate Student, Network Research Assistant
Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, RU Professor, Network Founder
