February 14, 2008
Government Matters,” the new name given to the reformatted newsletter of the New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations, provides some direct answers to the question raised often, even from our own federation community: “Why a need for an association of federations, and how does a state organization serve our local needs?”
Of vital concern to our community are issues of statewide interest, including the determination of elected officials, the formulation of public policy, the deliberations of the Legislature, and the decisions of the judiciary. These matters touch us all individually as citizens and collectively as residents of New Jersey, the United States, and the world. One needs to look no further than the economic stimulus package proposed by President Bush, or Governor Corzine’s proposals to address the state’s financial deficit. These matters of government are matters of our community.
“Government matters” also suggests that government touches us whether or not we consider ourselves participating members of the local, state, and national community. To ignore policy debates is to ensure that these debates would not be resolved to our benefit. To get involved and attempt to influence the debate would at least permit our voice to be heard and our views to be given consideration. At best, activism in the governmental and political process results in our concerns being recognized, our goals being secured, and our best interests being served.
The State Association, the governmental and outreach arm of New Jersey’s 12 Jewish federations, is the agency through which the state’s Jewish community attempts to influence matters of government. The State Association is our recognition that government matters. In the short period that I have served as president there is ample proof of these precepts. The State Association led the way to the legislature’s enactment of, and Corzine’s signature on, a law mandating divestment by the State Investment Council in companies doing business with Iran’s energy and nuclear sector. Another law championed by the State Association excludes nonprofits, and their board members and their spouses, from the onerous burden of filing multiple reports of political contributions with the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Thanks to the efforts of the State Association, the current state budget provides special funding for four federation-sponsored naturally occurring retirement communities. The recently approved federal omnibus budget bill included allocations for five similar NORC projects of NJ Jewish federations. Newly enacted provisions that strengthened the state’s hate-crime statute were supported through the Legislature by the State Association. And the State Association has taken a leading role in coordinating statewide observances to celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary this year.
As a practicing attorney, I look to the evidence. The evidence is convincing that government matters do matter. They matter to each federation and to each member of the Jewish community. We are fortunate that there is a State Association of Jewish Federations available to represent our concerns.
Roy Tanzman, an attorney, is president of the New Jersey State Association of Jewish Federations. For a copy of “Government Matters,” contact the State Association office or call 908-352-7930.
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