LWVNJ Program Committees

I. What is a state program committee?

A program committee is a group of members knowledgeable and active in one of the League’s policy program areas: Education, Fiscal Policy, Government, Immigration, Natural Resources and Women & Family Issues.

The major roles of the committees are to educate League members and advocate on state public policies. Although a state program committee may use positions developed by LWVUS as a basis for its work on New Jersey issues and it may promote requests from LWVUS, the committee does not initiate advocacy on federal public policy issues.

As educators, committees might select one area to update our members on our League position and the current status of the law or it might provide background on a current public policy discussion in New Jersey. Committee members can do this by writing articles for our newsletter or the website, blogging, or preparing a meeting-ready program or speakers for local Leagues.

As advocates, committees would recommend action on specific legislation, regulations or public policy areas to the League of Women Voters of New Jersey State Board (the Board). Such action might include joining a coalition; testifying on issues of concern; meeting with legislators or executive departments; issuing press releases; or writing letters to the editor or action alerts to our members.

II. Standing Committees

Listed below are the statewide committees and examples of policy focus for each committee.

Education Committee

  • Opposition to School Vouchers
  • Charter Schools and Private School Choice
  • Teacher Certification and Professional Development

Natural Resources Committee

  • Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
  • Hydraulic Fracturing (Hydrofracking)
  • Land Use and Conservation Planning

Fiscal Policy

  • Support balanced, progressive and equitable tax structure
  • Reduce dependence on the property tax
  • Encourage state development that meets the social, economic, and environmental needs of New Jersey residents.

Immigration Committee

  • Instate Tuition to Graduates of NJ High Schools
  • Efficient System for Legal Entry into the US

Government Committee

  • Citizen’s Right to Know and Citizen Participation
  • Voting Rights
  • Campaign Finance

Women and Family Issues Committee

  • Pay Equity
  • Funding for Family Planning Services
  • Human trafficking, domestic violence, and more!

To join a committee or for further questions, you may contact Jesse Burns, LWVNJ Executive Director at jburns@lwvnj.org

Information for this article was provided by the League of Woman Voters of New Jersey and Jesse Burns, LWVNJ Executive Director.