Democracy and Politics News
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Low-income families need free tax preparers, and VITA provides that and more
An overwhelming majority of low-and-moderate income families in New Jersey are losing out on critical tax benefits, unaware that they could benefit from filing or overwhelmed by the tax system, especially when finding affordable and reliable tax preparers appears nearly impossible.
During the financial crisis of 2008, Dauna Thompson was living paycheck to paycheck as a single mother in Montclair, taking on temp jobs to make ends meet. So, paying someone to do her taxes wasn't an option. "I had to find something free. I needed every penny," Thompson said
NJ Home Bakers face municipal pushback
Last October, New Jersey home bakers rejoiced when the state became the last in the country to enact cottage food regulations. These rules, set forth by the Department of Health, allow bakers and other non-TCS food producers to apply for a permit for the direct sale of their goods, with a gross income up to $50,000. Since then, nearly 500 Cottage Food Operator Permits have been issued to residents throughout the state. Others haven’t been so lucky. The reason why lies at their own town halls.
“You know what's real when you're out on the streets” –Why Steve Bernhaut marches
Steve Bernhaut grew up in a conservative Jewish home that nurtured a worldview centered on the holocaust. As a young man navigating his way to a more just world, Bernhaut was inspired by the work of Ploughshares in the anti-nuclear movement and Jonah House on their grounding in non-violence.
Newark: 2022 Elections
In the run-up to the 2022 municipal elections, we are looking at voter turnout and "getting the vote out" efforts in Newark. Check here for our latest reporting on the candidates and issues that play a role as voters prepare to elect the city's next mayor and all nine seats on the city council on May 10, 2022.
Who’s on the ballot?
"I do it because it needs to be done."—Why Tyrone Lockett marches
When Tyrone Lockett heard the story of Eleanor Bumpurs, he laced his shoes and took to the streets in protest.
Bumpurs, a 66-year old public housing tenant in The Bronx, faced eviction from her apartment for withholding rent. She refused to pay and maintained that the New York City Housing Authority failed to complete her repair requests. But on Oct. 29, 1984, after she screamed from inside her apartment at city marshalls trying to serve her an eviction notice, NYCHA responded by calling on the police to remove Bumpers from her home.
“Marching is a tool.”-Why Ingrid Hill marches
EAST ORANGE, NJ—Ingrid Hill grew up at a time of severe systemic injustice. It was the 1960s, and the world was turning upside down.
As a teenager, she was part of a "collective," surrounded by community elders, family members, and friends who were all committed to each other and making a better world for all.
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