The LGBTQ+ Community & The Equality Act
By: Michael Gonzales, B.A. Political Science The LGBTQ+ Community, also known as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, etc. community, is much more than your average community: It’s a family. It’s a natural unification of similarly oppressed people to…
What Happens to Bills That Were Not Passed During the Lame-Duck Session?
The 219th New Jersey Legislature begins its session on January 14, 2020 and with it comes expired proposed legislation, opportunities for new proposals, and new incumbents to contact. The lame-duck session is the period of time when the Legislature…
Sharks Need Their Fins, We Do Not
By: Jamie Zaccaria, Wildlife Conservationist, Burlington, NJ Governor Murphy has taken a huge step to make New Jersey a leader in conservation by signing S2905, which prohibits certain possession, sale, trade, distribution, or offering for sale of shark fins….
My Experience at a State Senate Meeting
Written by: Sabrina Ahmed, Lesniak Institute Intern, Fall 2019 On November 18th, I was given the opportunity to observe a State Senate meeting as a specialist intern for the Lesniak Institute. My superior, Sarah Mack, thoughtfully explained that the…
A Good News Story: Miracle Kitten
On her way to the funeral of Salena Lesniak, Senator Lesniak’s wife who died suddenly last Tuesday, Sue saw an injured cat alongside the roadway. Here’s her story … Driving up Route 9 at approximately 7:15 a.m., I saw…
GUEST BLOGGER: Alyssa Lego Advocates for Everyone to Share an Ice Cream Cone, Together
How must I begin to compile years of advocating for societal change in a short essay? How can I allow you a glimpse into my soul and my dreams through a screen? How can I leave you feeling inspired…
Guest Blogger, Emily Bank: Rutgers Law Student
The day I became an animal advocate is one I will never forget. It was a Sunday and the weather was less than perfect (a rarity in LA) so instead of my usual Sunday hike, I decided to scroll…
Jamie D., Humane State Contest Winner
In partnership with The Animal Welfare Fund of New Jersey and the NJCAR Foundation, the Lesniak Institute’s essay contest encouraged participation by New Jersey students in elementary, middle and high school. The goal of the contest was to inspire…
Adam C., Humane State Contest Winner
In partnership with The Animal Welfare Fund of New Jersey and the NJCAR Foundation, the Lesniak Institute’s essay contest encouraged participation by New Jersey students in elementary, middle and high school. The goal of the contest was to inspire…
Riley C., Humane State Contest Winner
In partnership with The Animal Welfare Fund of New Jersey and the NJCAR Foundation, the Lesniak Institute’s essay contest encouraged participation by New Jersey students in elementary, middle and high school. The goal of the contest was to inspire…