New Jersey Rises, Not Today S2173

In order to get this out ASAP with photos, I’m sharing my Facebook post and the Fearless Parent post, both from tonight.

My heart is so full, it’s exploding. We must be back to work right away but tonight, I am proud, proud, proud.

Jersey Strong is no joke.

Photo credit: Ann Rosen

With tremendous physical and energetic and heart-opening presence, The People by the many thousands showed up — so many people — moms, dads, babies, kids, rabbis, pastors, priests, healthcare workers, All walks of life — by some estimates 5-10K throughout the day and night, with people there starting at 8am, gathering strength, bolstered by more people arriving as the day progressed into night, people inside crawling the hallways, in the Senate galley, and outside for so many hours in the 35F wet, freezing cold…. chanting, praying, drumming (with the sticks from their signs), singing (Silent Night!), and pulling together with a common purpose…

Sending the most powerful message to our lawmakers who were visibly rattled and kept looking outside toward the crowd whose non-stop chanting was so loud, it was very audible inside… you could almost see the walls vibrating.

New Jersey parents had business today and sent the special interests home empty-handed.

Not today, S2173.

Photo credit: Stacy Allan

This is not done. Not even close. S2173 has been pulled not killed. Some people are not happy tonight. Rest assured that there will be horse-trading and arm twisting and mud wrestling, readying to give it another go very soon, before the session ends January 13, 2020.

The word is that they needed one vote. I watched the bill sponsor repeatedly hover over two senators, in particular. These two guys, seriously ❤️ And so many others, all to be named soon. We are finding out more. Since there was no vote, we don’t have all the info in yet. Courageous Republicans and Democrats held firm for the masses of their constituents, from whom they heard, and who are watching and cheering. The love is pouring in. They will be remembered and supported.

Constant vigilance, please. More guidance is coming about how to proceed.

Huge shout out to all the amazing parent organizations for their incredible advocacy. Most don’t see the half of what they’ve been doing.

Sleep well.

Photos and videos

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