Regional Policy News Highlights
NJ governor hopefuls target bail reform for changes
New Jersey Monitor
"Democrat Mikie Sherrill says she supports the current system conceptually but has concerns about defendants not showing up for court and those accused of violent crimes not being detained before trial. Republican Jack Ciattarelli blames bail reform for repeat offenders, saying he would appoint conservative judges and prosecutors and fix “loopholes” to ensure more defendants are jailed pretrial."
NJ governor’s race: Sherrill and Ciattarelli on abortion, gun rights, vaccines
NJ Spotlight News
“The ability to exercise the right of suffrage is so critical to who we are as a country,” said Caldwell. “We need to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to really vote for whoever they choose. And the question that you should ask is, why would someone limit voting? If you’re the best candidate, you want to expand voting, and so we really are supportive of making sure that everybody has the right to vote and that intimidation is not an issue in New Jersey.”
Campaigns make final get-out-the-vote push in New Jersey governor race
Gothamist
”[Ciattarelli] seems to be a little bit more active, going to different places that Republicans don't normally go,” said Hale of Seton Hall University, noting that Ciattarelli appears to be attending more events himself than Sherrill. “Part of that is because he has to, Mikie Sherrill doesn't have to play in his lane, but he has to play in hers in order to win.”
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National Policy News Highlights
What’s on the ballot in the first general election since Donald Trump became president
AP News
"The results of those contests — the first general election of Trump’s second term — will be heralded by the victors as either a major repudiation or resounding stamp of approval of his second-term agenda. That’s especially true in high-profile races for Virginia and New Jersey governor, New York City mayor and a California proposition to redraw its congressional district boundaries."
Mamdani Crosses Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise to Signal ‘New Day’ for City
The New York Times
"Mr. Mamdani has framed his campaign as trailblazing in many ways: He would be the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first South Asian mayor and its first millennial mayor. He has highlighted a surge in support for his campaign from young voters, working-class voters and immigrants."
Trump administration will provide half of usual funds to Snap recipients in November
The Guardian
"Amid mounting uncertainty among the nearly 42 million people on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), the Department of Agriculture said it would use contingency funds to keep benefits going, albeit just 50% of the usual funds recipients receive on their cards."
Here's what could happen if Obamacare subsidies aren't extended
NPR
"Without the ACA tax credits that Democrats want to extend into 2026, many people could see big increases in their health care costs – 114%, on average, according to estimates by KFF, a nonprofit health policy think tank."
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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
Advocacy doesn’t always look like holding a megaphone or organizing a protest. For Serene Rahman, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Rutgers School of Social Work, it looks like a deep dive into inclusive research, heartfelt conversations, and building networks in places often overlooked. It looks like advocacy shaped by commitment and lived experience—and a refusal to let barriers dictate the depth or reach of one’s impact.
The Social Work Policy Network remains committed to sharing key news updates, policy changes, action opportunities, events & more - with content particularly focused on social justice, equity, and systemic change.
