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Jersey Rules

Your front-row seat to Jersey’s biggest conversations

From the State House to your house, Jersey Rules brings you inside the issues shaping the Garden State. Hosted by the New Jersey Assembly Democrats—representing 57 of the 80 members in the General Assembly—we’re breaking down policies, initiatives, and community-driven solutions that impact your life.

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Saturday · 24 min
The John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act
Congressman John Lewis called the vote “the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy.” His life’s work was rooted in protecting that power and in the belief that democracy requires each generation to keep doing the work. In this episode of Jersey Rules, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson is joined by Nuzhat Chowdhury of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and Liza Weisberg of the ACLU of New Jersey to discuss New Jersey’s newly enacted John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act. They trace the four-year effort to get the law across the finish line, explain what protections it puts in place for New Jersey voters, and discuss the history that made those protections necessary. They also reflect on John Lewis’ legacy, the coalition of more than 60 organizations that helped move the legislation forward, and what comes next for voting rights in New Jersey. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Ed Gittens, former Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson and a public servant who helped advance this legislation and believed deeply in the values it represents. Ed passed away last month, and we honor his life, his service, and his commitment to this work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
July 16 · 11 min
How do you build a tunnel beneath the Hudson River?
On this episode of Jersey Rules, we take you on a rare behind-the-scenes look at a project that will shape transportation in our region for generations. Listen in as Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, chair of the Assembly’s Transportation committee, talks with the Gateway Development Commission team behind the Hudson Tunnel Project about the technology, engineering, and planning that go into building one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country. In this episode: * Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Chair of the Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee * Jim Starace, Chief of Program Delivery, Gateway Development Commission * Rebecca Zack, Deputy Chief of Government and Community Affairs, Gateway Development Commission The New Jersey Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee is responsible for monitoring all segments of state transportation, including bridge and highway construction, motor vehicle inspections, expansion of light-rail train systems, and management of the toll road authorities. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
April 27 · 16 min
Why are prescription drug prices so high, and who’s really in control?
That’s the focus of this episode of Jersey Rules, featuring Assemblyman Roy Freiman and his work to rein in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the powerful middlemen operating behind the scenes of the prescription drug system. Through his legislation, the Patient and Provider Protection Act (A1502), Freiman is pushing for greater transparency and accountability to lower costs for patients and protect independent pharmacies across New Jersey. In this conversation, we break down how PBMs operate, how they drive up the cost of prescription drugs, and what real reform could mean for families and small businesses across the state. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
March 27 · 23 min
Doula Support, Stronger Starts: Policy Behind Better Beginnings
How can we improve maternal health outcomes? That question is at the heart of this episode of Jersey Rules and central to Assemblywoman Shanique Speight’s work as a maternal health advocate. Her legislation (A4222), now law, expands public awareness of doula and midwife services across New Jersey, helping more families understand and access the support available to them. In this conversation, we hear from experts and a New Jersey mom about what that support really looks like and why it matters. Expanding awareness is a critical step toward improving maternal health outcomes and strengthening families across our state. In this episode: * Opening comments from Assemblywoman Shanique Speight * Julie Dees, MBA, LPC of Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Home Society of NJ * Uzo Achebe, MPH, Safer Childbirth Cities Supervisor/ Health Systems Liaison Mercer County, The Children’s Home Society of NJ and a Certified Doula * Ashley Macchiaverna, mom and real estate professional, who has experienced firsthand the impact of working with a doula (twice) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
February 9 · 10 min
From Student Advocacy to Seizure Safety: The Story Behind Paul’s Law
A diagnosis at 12 turned into a movement that’s saving lives across New Jersey. In the latest episode of Jersey Rules, Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald sits down with Paul St. Pierre and his mother, Colleen Quinn, to talk about how one family’s journey with epilepsy became a six-year push for change, leading to “Paul’s Law” and new statewide requirements for seizure recognition and first aid training in schools and workplaces.It’s a conversation about courage, persistence, and what happens when residents help shape policy that protects others. Real advocacy. Real impact. Real Jersey stories.Listen now and share with someone who should hear it. 🎙️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
January 9 · 15 min
Restoring Focus in the Classroom: What NJ’s Cell Phone and Internet-Enabled Device Law Means for Students
In this episode, we hear from Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie—a school superintendent herself—alongside Ahmad Hamdeh, Principal of Clifton High School, and Danny Robertozzi, Superintendent of Clifton Public Schools, as they break down what newly signed legislation (A4882) means for restoring focus in the classroom. They discuss how the law sets clear, age-appropriate guidelines for student use of internet-enabled devices while preserving smart flexibility for safety, health, and learning needs—putting students, educators, and school communities first. “The goal of this bill is to ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie. “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our bill is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. This legislation is intended to ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
Nov 10, 2025 · 22 min
De West New York a la Casa Estatal: La historia del Asambleísta Gabriel Rodríguez
Desde West New York hasta la Cámara de Representantes, la trayectoria del asambleísta Gabriel Rodríguez es sinónimo de servicio y orgullo comunitario. 🎧 Escuche su historia en nuestro último podcast Jersey Rules y en nuestro primer episodio en español. From West New York to the State House, Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez’s journey is one of service and community pride. 🎧 Listen to his journey in our latest Jersey Rules podcast and our first-ever Spanish-language episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
Sep 17, 2025 · 19 min
Affordability First: Speaker Coughlin on Lowering Costs in New Jersey
In this episode of Jersey Rules, we sit down with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, the longest-serving Speaker in New Jersey history, to talk about what affordability really means for working families, and the concrete steps being taken to lower everyday costs. From property tax relief and energy bills to food security and tax credits, this conversation is packed with resources, key dates, and practical tools to help New Jersey residents keep more money in their pockets. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
Jun 17, 2025 · 10 min
Fighting Back Against Organized Retail Crime with Assemblyman Joe Danielsen
Organized retail theft isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a multimillion-dollar problem impacting local businesses, raising prices for consumers, and putting retail workers at risk. In this episode, we dive into recently signed legislation (A4755) sponsored by Assemblyman Joe Danielsen and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons that takes aim at highly sophisticated theft rings operating across New Jersey. Hear why Assemblyman Danielsen calls this a win for working families and public safety and how this new law is designed to empower law enforcement, protect store employees and communities. Retail crime affects all of us. If you care about keeping our neighborhoods safe and our stores open—this episode is for you. This is Part 2 of a two-part series. In Part 1 we heard directly from law enforcement officials and industry leaders about the real-world impact of retail crime — and how this new law will better protect businesses, workers, and communities. To learn more about this legislation, visit AssemblyDems.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
May 20, 2025 · 19 min
Fighting Organized Retail Crime in NJ
In this episode of Jersey Rules, we dig into one of the most pressing issues facing our state’s small businesses, store workers, and everyday shoppers: the rise of organized retail theft—and the bold steps being taken to fight it. You’ll hear from Montville Police Chief and 2025 President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Andrew Caggiano; Tina Marie Pilate, Manager of Asset Protection for Wegmans; Jesse Levine, Senior Director and Chief Compliance Officer for Ravitz Family Markets; and Delaney Redford, Director of Public Affairs for the New Jersey Food Council. Together, they unpack the scale of the problem, how criminals are evolving, and what the new law—A4755 —means for enforcement, accountability, and morale on the front lines. From professional shoplifting rings to retail violence, this episode goes beyond headlines and into the real-world impact, and real solution, shaping New Jersey’s response. To learn more about this legislation, visit AssemblyDems.com. Thanks for reading! Subscribe and share—because community safety is everybody’s business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
S1 · E2
Apr 4, 2025 · 31 min
New Jersey’s SAFE Kit Law with Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson
In this episode of Jersey Rules, we discuss critical legislation signed into law by Governor Murphy in January 2025: Bill A908, which establishes a rape kit tracking system in New Jersey. This new law ensures that survivors of sexual assault are never left in the dark about their cases, providing transparency, security, and accountability in the handling of sexual assault forensic evidence kits (SAFE kits). Our guests include Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, the bill’s primary sponsor, along with two key advocates from Younity (formerly Womanspace), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Featured in this episode: Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (15th Legislative District), the primary sponsor of Bill A908 and a strong advocate for women's rights and justice reform. Nathalie Nelson, CEO and President of Younity. Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Team Coordinator & Domestic Violence Victims Representative. To lean more, visit assemblydems.com *Trigger Warning: A note for our listeners: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape kits, and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs support, help is available. You can call the New Jersey Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-601-7200, or connect with local organizations like Younity in Mercer County—whose members share their voices in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com
Mar 3, 2025 · 26 min
The Freedom to Read Act with Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis
New Jersey stands up for intellectual freedom! The Freedom to Read Act was recently signed into law by Governor Murphy to ensure that schools and libraries remain spaces for diverse ideas, protecting against book bans that limit access to knowledge. In our first episode of Jersey Rules, we sit down with bill sponsor Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis and Martha Hickson, a former high school librarian and advocate for the Freedom to Read Act, to discuss the power of books, the fight for free expression, and why this law matters for New Jersey and beyond. In this episode, we explore the origins of the bill, policymaking in today’s climate, and what this means for educators, students, and readers across the state. Plus, Assemblywoman Drulis and Ms. Hickson share their personal connections to books and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Find out more about this legislation at assemblydems.com. 📚 Tune in to hear why the right to read is worth fighting for. *Episode 1 was recorded in January, 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com

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