Regional Policy News Highlights
NJ’s housing costs are skyrocketing. What will the next governor do?
NJ Spotlight News
“New Jersey is a home rule state, with local zoning laws determining what can be built and where except in a few areas that have regional plans. Historically, most state officials have been skittish about trying to infringe on local planning decisions. The YouGov survey indicated voters may not be as wedded to home rule as policy makers have thought, with six in 10 of those polled saying they would prefer to “prioritize building more homes over preserving government power.”
Trump administration to send election monitors to Passaic County
New Jersey Monitor
“DOJ has not even attempted to identify a legitimate basis for its actions,” he said in a statement. “The Constitution gives states, not the federal government, the primary responsibility for running elections, and our state’s hardworking elections officials have been preparing for months to run a safe and secure election. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot and make their voices heard.”
NJ governor’s race in the homestretch
WHYY
"Affordability is the top issue for most voters, including concerns over housing prices, high taxes, and rising energy costs. But the race has also been marked by personal attacks. Ciattarelli, running for a third time, has questioned Sherrill’s Navy service following the unauthorized release of her records. Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of contributing to thousands of opioid deaths in the state, citing misinformation published by his medical publishing company – a claim he has denied and threatened to sue over."
Domestic Violence Resource and Breast Cancer Resource
Upcoming Events
The Gubernatorial Election
November 4, 2025 • 6:00 am - 8:00pm
The voter registration period has ended.
In person early voting opens on: Saturday, October 25th, 2025 - Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Hours will be:
- Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Check your in person early voting location here.
Check your registration status and register to vote here.
New Jersey’s 2025 election will decide our state’s priorities for years to come: voters will be electing a new governor and casting ballots in races for every seat in the General Assembly. As attacks on our most fundamental rights continue across the country, the stakes could not be higher.
Graduate Students: Signature Career Event
November 6, 2025 • 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST
Register Here
Whether you are in the first year of your master's program, getting acclimated to academia, or at the culmination of your Ph.D. program and in the midst of a job search, this signature career event is for you. Dress attire is business casual. Check-in will open at 3:30 pm.
National Policy News Highlights
SNAP benefits may run out Nov. 1. Here’s how you could still get food assistance
The Hill
"The United States Department of Agriculture has started warning states that SNAP benefits may not be funded if the shutdown tips into a second month. SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program, helps people living near or below the poverty line afford groceries. The program is funded by federal dollars but administered by state and local agencies."
The federal government is still shut down. Here's what that means across the country
NPR
"Democrats in the Senate refused to vote for the Republican short-term funding bill that passed the House but did not include an extension of the health care tax credits. Democrats are also hoping to repeal cuts to health care programs that were put in place as part of the GOP spending and tax bill that passed over the summer."
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
The New York Times
"Based on the newly posted information, a family of four making $130,000 in Maine would face an increase of $16,100 in annual premiums next year because they would no longer qualify for more generous subsidies, said Gideon Lukens, a health policy researcher for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which supports extending the subsidies."
How children are treated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Brookings
"Elected officials of both parties have proposed new and better government support for families with children. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes some of these proposals, but overall, because of the law’s benefit cuts for working class and lower-income families, it will likely end up hurting roughly as many families with children as it helps."
Professional Opportunities
Digital Associate- Project Unloaded (Remote)
Worker Organizer - Make the Road New Jersey (Elizabeth, NJ)
Housing Placement Support - Hyacinth Foundation (New Brunswick, NJ)
Development and Communications Associate-New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund (Remote)
Highlight of the Week
Basic Needs Pop Up Thrift Shop
Pop Up Thrift Shop
October 28, 2025 • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm EST
On Morrell St by the College Ave Student Center
Come thrifting with us tomorrow for a good cause! All items are between $1-$5, minimum $5 donation. Virtual payments only to our donation fund. All proceeds go to the Student Basic Needs Center Food Pantry.
Questions? Here is our website
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