The year 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech which he delivered on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, to 200,000 civil rights supporters during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Dr. King’s speech was a rousing call for racial equality and social and economic justice, and struck at the very core of our humanity. He presented a vision of peace and racial harmony as well as fulfilling the American promise that all citizens are created equal. His words were so powerful and optimistic that his speech remains a landmark in American history.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO congratulates CWA Local 1036 for a huge organizing victory in Burlington County at the Aspen Hills/Buttonwood Hospital. The Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) voted 34 to 4 in favor of union representation for 73 CNAs, marking a successful ending to a year of intense worksite, community, and political organizing.

House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor recently blocked a floor vote to approve emergency funding for states and families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The actions of Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor are a betrayal to families all across the region that pay taxes, play by the rules, and expect the government to have their backs when tragedy strikes.