NJ Advocacy Organizations Launch “People’s Agenda” To Pass Critical Social Justice Legislation in Lame Duck

More than 30 New Jersey advocacy organizations today announced the 2025 People’s Agenda, a collective effort to pass key social justice bills during the New Jersey Legislature’s lame duck session. As the Trump administration continues its attack on the foundations of our democracy, it is critical for New Jersey leaders to pass legislation that will expand and protect the rights of everyone in the state, as well as close corporate loopholes and tax super millionaires to fund essential programs and services that communities need.

In support of the People’s Agenda and to encourage New Jersey lawmakers to pass these bills, organizers will be hosting several events, including a public education webinar on November 20, a statewide in-district lobby day on December 2, and a rally and lobby day at the State House on December 8.

“New Jersey has a responsibility to uphold its values of freedom and justice for all,” said Ami Kachalia, Campaign Strategist at ACLU-NJ. “Now more than ever, as the Trump administration continues to attack on our democracy, state protections are essential to safeguarding our fundamental rights. We’re calling on the New Jersey Legislature to pass the People’s Agenda and make real change for everyone who calls our state home.”

The People’s Agenda is advocating in support of the following bills:

• S3672/A4987 (Immigrant Trust Act) – Limits New Jersey’s involvement in the federal detention and deportation system and allows New Jerseyans to seek protection and support from state and local agencies without fear of deportation.
• S3009/A4083 (New Jersey Voter Empowerment Act) – Strengthens voting protections and expands access to the ballot.
• S3545/A4696 (Climate Superfund Act) – Generates $50 billion over 20 years for infrastructure and resiliency by requiring the world’s largest fossil fuel companies to pay their fair share of the costs tied to flooding, storms, and other impacts.
• S3491/A4656 – Establishes protections for gender affirming care and abortion providers and patients.
• S3452/A4601 – Ensures New Jerseyans are able to access affordable reproductive health care by eliminating cost-sharing requirements for insurance coverage.
• S2338/A4463 – Brings incarcerated elders home.
• S2348/A4175 – Codifies and strengthens the protections against police use of force.

“Voters were clear: New Jersey demands State leadership fights back against Trump's policies – and remember, immigration is his top issue,” said Madison Linton, Policy and Research Associate at the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “New Jerseyans call on the State Legislature to pass the Immigrant Trust Act immediately since no other policy could provide the safeguards nor the first line of defense against federal overreach."

“Let’s end this legislative session with a bang for justice, not a whimper,” said Nuzhat Chowdhury, Director of the Democracy & Justice Program at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. “That includes passing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act to protect New Jersey voters in the nick of time, with the U.S. Supreme Court on the brink of decimating the federal Voting Rights Act. If ever there were a time for this legislature to be bold and stand up for New Jerseyans and their voting rights, this is it.”

"Every New Jersey community — from our cities to our shore towns — is paying the price for worsening floods, storms, and extreme heat,” said David Pringle, Empower NJ Steering Committee Member. “The Climate Superfund Act will provide real relief for hardworking New Jerseyans by charging the world's largest fossil fuel companies a small share of their profits. Polluters have profited from the mess they created; it's past time they help clean it up.”

“New Jersey will continue to lead the way in LGBTQ protections when our legislature passes S3491,” said Lauren Albrecht, Senior Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Garden State Equality. “The moment has never been more opportune, or more critical, to reaffirm our commitment to protecting trans rights and equal bodily autonomy for ALL New Jerseyans."

“Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey is proud to be part of the People’s Lame Duck Agenda, fighting for all New Jerseyans to live healthier, more fulfilled lives, including those who are seeking reproductive health care, including abortion, and gender-affirming health care,” said Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. “Together we fight for all."

“The Rehabilitative Release Act (S2338/A4463) honors the truth that redemption and growth do not end with age—it gives senior citizens who have transformed behind bars a chance to live out their remaining years in dignity and peace,” said Rev. Amos Caley, Lead Organizer for Second Look NJ. “Offering second chances to those who have served lengthy prison sentences affirms our belief in mercy, justice, and the capacity for change.”

"Salvation and Social Justice stands firmly with the People’s Agenda, urging lawmakers to advance Use of Force legislation (S2348) without delay,” said Racquel Romans-Henry, Director of Policy at Salvation and Social Justice. “Black communities – who bear the brunt of police use of force in New Jersey – simply cannot wait another day for accountability. This bill is critical to dismantling a deeply entrenched culture of police misconduct and abuse, and to safeguarding every resident’s right to safety and basic human dignity beyond this or any future administration.”

"New Jersey families are paying more for housing, groceries, and health care while federal tax cuts continue to protect billionaires and wealthy corporations,” said Eric Benson, Campaign Manager at For the Many NJ. “Taxing New Jersey's super millionaires and closing corporate loopholes are popular, fiscally sound policies that will protect critical services and stabilize our state budget."

The People’s Agenda is a collective advocacy effort comprised of 33 New Jersey advocacy organizations. The full list of members includes: AAPI NJ, ACLU of New Jersey, Black Lives Matter Paterson, Cherry Hill Women's Center, El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City, Empower NJ, Fair Share Housing Center, Faith in New Jersey, First Friends of New Jersey & New York, Garden State Equality, Indivisible Cranbury Democracy Taskforce, Indivisible Highland Park, League of Women Voters of New Jersey, Make the Road New Jersey, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, New Jersey Certified Professional Midwives Association, New Jersey Citizen Action, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, New Labor, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Policy Perspective, New Jersey Poor People’s Campaign, New Jersey Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, New Jersey Working Families Alliance, NJ Harm Reduction Coalition, Palestinian American Community Center, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, Salvation and Social Justice, Second Look NJ, Third Act New Jersey, Unitarian Universalist FaithAction NJ, WADEIn New Jersey, and Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center.