The New Jersey Legislature wrapped up 2014 with voting sessions in the Senate and Assembly. Here is a summary of Thursday’s legislative action:

The op-ed below was published on nj.com:

Gov. Chris Christie often talks about the need for transparency in government. He frequently points to his own administration as an example of how to carry out the functions of government in a forthcoming and above-board manner. Why, then, has the governor vetoed a bill that establishes oversight for deals that privatize government services?

Thursday, Dec. 18^th, will be a busy day at the New Jersey Statehouse. The state Senate and Assembly are both wrapping up 2014 with lengthy voting sessions. We ask that you check out the bills scheduled for floor votes, and contact your legislator (by clicking the links below) to support the pro-working families proposals that we have been working hard to enact:

Representatives of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its non-profit partner Working Families United for New Jersey (WFUNJ) testified in support of a statewide earned sick leave bill on Monday. The bill (A-2354) later cleared committee on a mostly party-line vote.

Today, the "Buy America" bill (A-3059) advanced out of the Assembly Budget Committee by a party line vote of 8 to 4. We anticipate that a full Assembly vote will take place as soon as next week on this bill as well as four complimentary pieces of “Buy America” legislation. In order to ensure passage of this package, your voice will be essential.

CLICK HERE to send a direct message to your legislators letting them know that you are counting on them to support "Buy America" legislation, which would create much needed New Jersey jobs and spur economic growth for the region.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, through its Working Families United for New Jersey (WFUNJ) coalition, strongly supports enactment of a statewide earned sick days law, which would create a uniform and humane standard so that no New Jersey worker is forced to choose between going to work sick or losing a day’s pay.

There are few pieces of legislation as noncontroversial and straightforward as A-2354, which would guarantee earned sick leave to all New Jersey workers. However, in today’s political environment, not even a bill as basic as this is going to be passed without our concerted efforts.

The American consumer not only votes at the ballot box, but votes nearly every day with his or her wallet. In other words, like voting, how and where we spend our money can have a significant influence over our society and economy.

Therefore, be sure to check out Labor411’s Holiday Gift Guide for a listing of union made products for the holidays.