Our members meet Scott Garrett, U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 5th congressional district

L-R Roselyn Altman, Elaine Pollack, Congressman Scott Garrett, Ann Levenstein, Gladys Laden

On December 2, 2013 Ann Levenstein, Gladys Laden, Elaine Pollack and Roselyn Altman met with Congressman Scott Garrett at his office in Glen Rock.  We told him about NCJW and our work in  Bergen County and gave him a copy of our brochure.  We noted that our 1,100 members come from all over Bergen County.  He commented on our Swim-In program offered at the JCC for individuals with MS.  We also discussed the Waiting Room for domestic violence victims and our Children’s Court Care Center, both at the Bergen County Court House.  He was surprised that there hadn’t previously been a separate room for domestic violence litigants until we convinced the courthouse to allow us to do so.  We emphasized that many of our members volunteer their time at most of our 16 community services.

We told him that an important part of our organization is educating our members about important issues and advocating for changes where needed.  We discussed the issue of Human Trafficking and especially the need to take action prior to the Super Bowl in February.  We asked Congressman Garrett to look into amending the Federal laws that allow organizations such as BackPage to advertise sex acts on line.  He agreed to look at the legislation and to speak to his colleague, Chris Smith (R-NJ)

We then told him that we were in strong support of actions that would prevent gun violence.  We would like to see better background checks implemented on all purchasers of guns, including internet sales.  We also asked for his help in passing laws that would require extensive training in the proper use and storage of all weapons.  The problem of emotionally disturbed individuals having weapons was discussed.  Congressman Garrett said he has met with mental health professionals who argued that not all of the disturbed individuals are at risk of participating in gun violence.  He also mentioned HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and its requirement of privacy for individuals.

It was a very cordial and informative meeting, and everyone learned something new.