Dear Coalition for a DSP Living Wage:
Join us on Monday, May 13 from 10:00am—1:00pm for a rally in front of the NJ State House Annex in Trenton to tell Governor Murphy and the Legislature that $54-million is needed in FY2020 to secure a competitive DSP starting wage that’s 25% above minimum wage. A HUGE turnout would make a strong statement to lawmakers that NJ must #PayFair4DirectCare in FY2020.
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for a word document/printable version below.
**EVENT DETAILS**
Date/Time:
Monday, May 13th 10:00am-1:00pm, held Rain* or Shine
*Rain ponchos will be provided in the event of inclement weather
Where:
In front of the State House Annex, 125 West State Street, Trenton
What to Wear:
If you already have a lime green Coalition for a DSP Living Wage t-shirt, please wear it to the event. Otherwise, please wear green or blue. A limited number of Coalition t-shirts will also be available on a first come, first serve basis at the event.
What to Bring:
Bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch at the State House Cafeteria or nearby Café 128 on West State Street. Food will not be provided.
Bring signs to the rally in support of $54-million in FY2020 for increased wages for DSPs. Need help figuring out what to write? How about:
- • It’s time NJ #PayFair4DirectCare
- • Direct Support is #NotMinWageWork
- • Who will care if no one is there?!
- • DSPs Do More, They Deserve More
- • Low Pay is NOT OK
Please keep in mind that no sticks or poles may be affixed on the signs and they must be made solely of paper or cardboard, otherwise they will not be permitted for safety reasons. Limited materials will also be available the day of the rally for those who arrive early and want to make a sign on site.
Registration: This is a FREE event and all are welcome and encouraged to attend, but we are asking people to register to give us an idea of numbers for planning purposes:
Parking:
Limited Parking at NJ State House:
Very limited free parking is available in the capitol parking garage (access from the rear entrance off Route 29). Proceed to the guard booth and show picture ID to gain access.
Paid Parking Near State House:
There are few paid parking lots within walking distance of the State House, but spots are limited, and parking costs will not be reimbursed by the Coalition.
We are working on additional free parking in Trenton with a shuttle to the NJ State House Annex. Details will be shared once finalized.
Public Transportation:
Direct rail service to Trenton is provided by both NJ Transit (1-800-582-5946) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245). NJ Transit also provides bus service to and within the Trenton area.
FROM THE TRAIN STATION
Walking:
South Clinton Avenue runs along the left side of the train station. Proceed up the avenue (to your right when facing the road) one block and make a left onto East State Street. (You'll soon pass the Department of Environmental Protection on your left.) At Warren Street the street becomes West State Street. The State House is two blocks up on the left. The walk takes 10-15 minutes.
Cabs:
Cabs are available at the rear of the station.
NJ Transit Buses:
Buses stop in front of the train station at the corner of South Clinton Avenue. Most service West State Street and the Statehouse.
What to Do to Prepare for the Rally:
Make a Sign & Bring it to Trenton:
Bring signs to the rally in support of greater state funding for DSP wages. This is your chance to tell state leaders why they must invest $54-million in FY2020 to secure a competitive DSP wage that’s 25% above minimum wage and reflects the skill, training and responsibility required for the complex work. Please remember that no sticks or poles may be affixed on the signs and they must be made solely of paper or cardboard, otherwise they will not be permitted for safety reasons. Limited materials will also be available the day of the rally for those who arrive early and want to make a sign on site.
Make Your Voice Heard via Social Media:
You have the chance to not only be advocates in person on May 13 – you can make your voice heard through your social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
- Use hashtags #NotMinWageWork #PayFair4DirectCare and #DSPRally2019 before, during and after the event. Here are some sample tweets to post immediately to help spread the word and show support:
- Joining @NJDSPCoalition in Trenton for #DSPRally2019 on May 13 to show support for DSPs who provide essential supports for NJ residents with I/DD Direct Support is #NotMinWageWork @GovMurphy @NJSenatePres @SpeakerCoughlin
- Direct support workforce is in crisis with 44% turnover and 20% vacancy rates because of low wages. It’s time #NJ invest in a competitive wage for DSPs that reflects the skill, training and responsibility required for the complex job. #DSPRally2019 #NotMinWageWork @GovMurphy
- Why #PayFair4DirectCare? Because over 30,000 NJ residents with I/DD rely on direct support professionals to achieve what we all want—a life well lived. @GovMurphy @NJSenatePres @SpeakerCoughlin #DSPRally2019 #NotMinWageWork
Invite Your Legislators:
Nothing is more impactful than legislators hearing directly from their constituents. Give your State Senator and your two members of the Assembly a call or send them an email invitation to stop by the rally on May 13:
Dear Senator/Assemblyman/Assemblywoman:
I live in your legislative district and on May 13, 2019, I will be in Trenton with other members of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage for a rally that will bring attention to need for the state to invest in DSP wages. The rally will be held in front of the State House Annex and where we’re inviting lawmakers to stop by and say a few words anytime between 11:00am—12noon. I hope you’re able to come by and say hello!
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
Thank you and see you on May 13th in Trenton!
Sincerely,
Valerie Sellers
Chairperson
