Troy Talk

Back To School - Positive And Prepared

troy-talk-back-to-school.jpgAs summer comes to a close, parents and students all over the country will celebrate National Back to School Month. As we begin to prepare for school, children all over will be doing back-to-school shopping, and parents will be looking for information to ensure their students are prepared.

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A Day To Remember: Women’s Equality Day

troytalkwomensday-v10.jpgHere’s a brief history quiz. What is the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution?

I’m not trying to trick you but rather to emphasize the amendment’s importance — it prohibits states and the federal government from discriminating against anyone’s right to vote based on gender. It is without doubt one of the first great victories for women’s rights, and upon reflection, the broadening of rights for everyone.

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Evidence-Based Policymaking: The Ultimate Test Of What Works

evidence_1.pngDoes it work? Is it worth it?

These two short sentences are the public’s two most salient questions when they hear about a new program, policy or initiative. They represent a common thread: citizens pay for all of these with their tax dollars.

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Right-To-Work Laws: A Common Falsehood

There is an old adage, "If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is." I am reminded of this when I hear proponents of Right-to-Work laws talk about their impact on the labor market and the overall economy. Despite its seemingly well-intentioned name, this type of law does not guarantee anyone a job or provide a state with an economic boom.

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A Letter To My Bosses

LTMB.jpgDear Bosses,

You don’t often ask me directly what I’m doing, or even more importantly, what I have done for you. When I began working for you — the residents of the 7th legislative district — my goal was always to do the best job possible, to protect and advance your interests and to establish a framework for anticipated and unanticipated challenges in the future.

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Closing Illegal Gun Loopholes

tt-illegal-gun-loopholes.jpgEnhancing Existing Laws will Make NJ’s Communities and Streets Safer

New Jersey has some of our nation’s strongest gun laws. Yet, too often, illegal firearms move far too easily into New Jersey from states with weaker gun laws and end up on our streets due to inconsistent state regulations. There is no federal anti-trafficking law that would provide some uniformity in this regard, so it has become easier for criminals to exploit weaknesses in the system and flood our communities with illegal guns. 

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