Regional Policy News Highlights
Josh Shapiro is dominating the race for governor of … New Jersey
POLITICO
"In the race to succeed Murphy, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli habitually talks about New Jersey’s western neighbor, with his Democratic opponent Rep. Mikie Sherrill regularly incorporating support for Pennsylvania policies in her campaign stops."
Here’s how our next governor says they’ll make NJ more affordable
New Jersey Monitor
"The two front-runners in this year’s gubernatorial race don’t have many overlapping proposals, but their main pledge is the same: to make New Jersey, a state with some of the highest taxes in the country, more affordable."
Read more about Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli
Upcoming Events
The Gubernatorial Election
November 4, 2025 • 6:00 am - 8:00pm
The deadline to register to vote in the 2025 General Election is Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Check your registration status and register to vote.
Install new theme
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.
Pathways To Public Service: A Career Panel
Thursday, October 23 • 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Eagleton Institute of Politics
191 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Register for this event.
Come learn about and get advice from leaders with careers in state politics and government, including government relations, elected office, party leadership, and more! Light refreshments will be served, and registration is required. This event is intended for current college students or recent graduates.
This event is part of Rutgers Democracy Week 2025, a project of the Rutgers Democracy Lab.
National Policy News Highlights
Government shutdown entering sixth day as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse
AP News
“Democrats are insisting on renewing subsidies to cover health insurance costs for millions of households, while Trump wants to preserve existing spending levels as he believes that Democrats will have to cave because of the jobs and federal projects being put at risk.”
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is deadly to already vulnerable groups across the U.S.
Prism
"The Medicaid cuts have several components, but their most significant impact will come from the addition of work requirements that require Medicaid recipients to prove they are working, volunteering, or in school for at least 80 hours per month. The rule is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Though it includes exceptions for disabled people, caregivers of kids younger than 13, and some other protected groups, proving eligibility will mean more red tape and bureaucratic hurdles to remaining insured, effectively kicking many off. The new rules also require the government to re-certify Medicaid eligibility every six months rather than once a year, likely leading to significant coverage gaps. The bill also reverses improvements made under the Biden administration to streamline enrollment."
Professional Opportunities
- Research Scientist 2 - New Jersey Department of Health (Trenton, NJ)
- Volunteer Services Specialist - HomeFront (Lawrence Township, NJ)
Student Basic Needs Center
At Rutgers University, our Basic Needs Center is here to support your well-being so you can thrive academically and personally. We connect students with essential resources—like food, housing, financial assistance, and mental health support—so you can focus on your education with fewer worries.
Every year, thousands of Rutgers students benefit from Basic Needs support services. From food assistance and emergency grants to housing referrals and wellness resources, our impact is measurable and growing. These numbers reflect our commitment to helping students thrive—academically, personally, and financially. Learn more about basic needs supports for 2024-2025.
"We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more…" – Dalai Lama XIV
Introduction to the New Editor
Hi! I am the new editor of the Social Policy Network Newsletter and my name is Ebonia Moody. I am a Master of Social Work student and I look forward to sending out updates on policies, national and local news and professional opportunities. I look forward to an educational and fruitful academic year! Let's learn together!
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
