From December 2023: “In a state where politicians spend several millions of dollars on campaigns to win a state office that pays only $49,000 a year, there’s a real disconnect between the politicians and the people that worry about their bus fare.

These two cohorts are on different planets and there is nowhere in the nation where that is more evident than in the historic city of Trenton where well-heeled legislators can drive into their parking spaces in the bowels of the Capitol Complex avoiding entirely the dire economic circumstance of the people that actually inhabit the state’s capital, most of whom are people of color and often depend on mass transit.”

LISTEN to this full article “A golden dome above, 'street corners for bathrooms' below” by Bob Hennelly Here via Raw Story

This past legislative session, decision making power in Trenton saw significant solar advancement, translation services enhancement for the top 15 most common non-English languages, domestic workers bill of rights come close to reality, affordable housing pushed to the next session, and helped prevent dirty gas masquerading as clean energy. While we are entering into a new legislative session, let us remember the ever pressing need to focus on expanding the voices in the rooms of power in capital cities across the land. Fossil fuel interests and ill spirited efforts to ravage remaining sacred water and Earth are transparent. Education and advocacy work when we make inclusivity a priority and support our most vulnerable residents by reminding them they and their voice matters.

Like water, democracy should be accessible to all. It should not be confined or restricted but rather flow freely, empowering individuals to participate, express their voices and shape our collective destiny. Just as water knows no boundaries, democracy must transcend barriers, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. This year, join Waterspirit for upcoming activities and visit our Calls to Action page for updates.