Regional Policy News Highlights
New Jersey weighs biggest update of charter school rules in 30 years
New Jersey Monitor
"The bill advanced by the Senate Education Committee on Monday would outright ban for-profit charter schools, require them to post a range of documents online, and impose residency requirements for some charter school trustees."
Horizon to pay $100M, ending what NJ says were false claims, overcharging
NJ Spotlight News
"Platkin says that fraudulent move drove up health care costs for hundreds of thousands of public servants in the state. As part of the settlement Horizon must pay the full $100 million within the next 25 days, comply with strict monitoring and reporting requirements and stop the fraudulent billing. Platkin added that the funds will be used to mitigate the damage to the state’s health benefits plan, that’s faced significant financial turmoil this year."
NJEDA board approves $20.6M in grants to 50 organizations under FEED NJ
ROI - NJ
"The awards are the first set of approvals under the $30 million FEED NJ program and will support food security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs), catalyzing innovative, sustainable and scalable food access initiatives in underserved areas."
Upcoming Events
LSW Licensing Information Session with Christine Chapais
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • 6:00 pm - 7:30pm
Location: Zoom
RSVP for the event
Ready to take your social work licensing exam? Attend one of our Licensing Info sessions and learn more about the LSW exam and the examination process. You will review some exam questions and be able to discuss test taking tips. You will also learn about other licensing prep resources available to you.
Mapathon for Humanitarian Relief
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Location: Alexander Library, 169 College Ave New Brunswick, NJ, 08901
Register
Together with fellow Rutgers students, staff, and faculty, you will contribute geospatial data to OpenStreetMap, a free and editable map of the world that is used by communities, organizations, and governments worldwide to address local development challenges and aid disaster response.
National Policy News Highlights
The overlooked crisis facing refugee and immigrant mothers in U.S. higher education
Prism
"Alzaeem’s employment situation represents a growing but often overlooked population: immigrant mothers who arrive in the U.S. with professional credentials and work experience, only to find their achievements constrained by immigration policies beyond their control."
Senate approves funding deal to end longest US government shutdown
The Guardian
"The agreement, which next goes to the House of Representatives, does not directly address the expiring tax credits for healthcare premiums, the issue at the center of the 40-day stalemate between Democrats and Republicans, though the Senate majority leader, John Thune, has promised a Senate vote later this year on the subsidies."
Catholic hospitals barred from offering gender-affirming care
The 19th
"Catholic leaders have formally banned their hospitals from providing gender-affirming care to transgender patients, following a Wednesday vote at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops."
Professional Opportunities
Case Manager - Encompass Health (Tinton Falls, NJ)
Youth Development Specialist - Complete Care (Bridgeton, NJ)
Development Officer, Special Events - SEEDS (Newark, NJ)
Highlight of the Week
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is here! Take a look at our event and volunteer opportunities for the week! Monday and Tuesday have some great opportunities for prizes and all students are welcome!
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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
