November is National Adoption Month.  This designation is an essential reminder of how you can change someone’s life for the better by offering permanent or foster care to a child. It reminds all of us to help in creating awareness for adoption. All children deserve love, affection and support.

In my blogs, I often refer to issues that need improvement or raise the specter of a problem. While adoption and foster care remain an important policy priority of our state, we can point to New Jersey as a leader in this area. 

A sign carried by an attendee at the  2019 Veteran's Day Parade in New York City captures the essence of this blog: "Thank You for Defending Our Freedom." 

It is a hard act to follow.  And in the wake of our recent election, many have heard about promises to our military personnel. I would like to think that beyond promises and words is direct, concrete action, which has characterized my involvement and views exemplified by the aforementioned sign.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day. After months of ads, campaign speeches, and pledges and positions postulated by candidates, the time has arrived. You will have the right to cast your vote, if you haven’t already, including one for the most important political office in the United States.

In the early stages of the pandemic, most Americans learned for the first time, what it was like to be out of consumer goods, including perishable items like food. It was an eye opener, This time gave us a sobering glimpse into what it is like for someone to suffer from food insecurity: wondering if you had enough food in the house or whether you had enough for today’s dinner. This feeling, while fleeting, for many is the reality for so many of us. 

Throughout the years that I have been writing this blog,  I ask myself where I have not only taken a strong stand but devoted a substantial portion of my legislative efforts to righting an ongoing wrong. 

One of those positions is domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is important that we continue to promote policies that support the victims of domestic violence – not just this month, but all year round. To that end, I have a number of proposals that focus on protecting and supporting victims of domestic violence. 

Bullying is an undeniable, unfortunate fact of life. We are either victims of it, witness it or forgive me for saying it, maybe even a participant. 

It is a mean, arrogant and despicable practice. Bullying practices can end in hatred and racism. And unfortunately, the digital age, which has brought us many technological benefits, has given us cyber bullying. A thoughtless comment, post, or insinuation can leave as much pain as a push in the classroom or a bump on the playground.

When we think about casting our votes for the November election, we are often consumed by the question of “WHO do we want to represent us?” However, there are other important considerations on the ballot this year, comprised in three public questions posed to the voters.

Within months of the coronavirus pandemic and the early stages of the lockdown, experts started to write articles about the emotional and mental health impact on society.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and as the month closes in on us, it’s worth reviewing how important it is to remain vigilant and help those in distress. This is particularly true for young people who face the “usual” pressures of youth, now compounded by the coronavirus.

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a presidential election coming up. While every election is important, seldom has the integrity of the election process been more in question then now. Adding to the integrity issue is the shock of the coronavirus epidemic.

The sanctity of the right to vote — and I don’t use the word sanctity lightly — is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. It is the one inviolable right that separates us from other forms of government.

During this maelstrom of divisiveness, confusion, and a global pandemic, it is easy to forget what binds us together. And unfortunately or not, it often takes a tragedy or the commemoration of one to remind us.