Buono Unveils Latino Policy Platform

Press Release

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono today released her Latino policy platform, a series of proposals that will expand economic and educational opportunities for Latino New Jerseyans.

Buono's plan reflects her belief that every New Jerseyan, regardless of their background or economic status, must have the chance to pursue their own version of the American Dream. Yet for many Latinos in New Jersey today, the quality opportunities that used to be readily available are now slipping away. The Buono-Silva administration will ensure that Latinos have the opportunities and the means to succeed in the Garden State.

"As the daughter of an immigrant, I know that the American Dream can only be obtained through a good opportunity," Senator Buono said. "That's why I have developed a plan that focuses on increasing opportunities available, first and foremost. This plan outlines the steps to restoring New Jersey as a place where all Latino New Jerseyans can find good-paying jobs, make ends meet and compete for the jobs of tomorrow. As Governor, I will make the progress of the Latino community a priority."

Senator Buono believes that every student must have the opportunity to obtain an affordable higher education to gain the skills and training needed to contribute to the workforce in the future. As such, her plan calls for enacting tuition equality in New Jersey, so thousands of New Jersey students finally have access to an affordable higher education. Empowering every student, regardless of their background, obtain a secondary degree is morally right and will be a boon to our economy.

Over 150,000 Latinos in New Jersey are currently living on just $7.25 an hour, the lowest wage allowed under federal law. Given that the cost of living in New Jersey is among the highest in the nation, it's clear that New Jersey's minimum wage is not enough for New Jerseyans to live and provide for their families. By raising the wage and tying it to cost of living increases, Senator Buono will boost the economy and benefit thousands of Latino New Jerseyans.

Poverty in New Jersey is at a 50 year high. Combating the growing poverty rate and lifting New Jerseyans out of poverty requires utilizing programs that we know work. By restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit, one of the most successful anti-poverty programs, to twenty-five percent, low-income families will have more money to spend on essential goods.

As Obamacare begins to be implemented, New Jersey Latinos deserve a Governor who will make expanding access to affordable care a priority. Senator Buono believes that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to affordable care. As Governor, she will work tirelessly to ensure that all eligible New Jersey families are enrolled in health exchanges under the Affordable Care Act.

Read the entire Buono Latino policy platform here.

Highlights of the Buono Latino policy platform include:
Enacting tuition equality so that every New Jersey student has the opportunity to obtain an affordable higher education.
Increasing the minimum wage to enable more workers and families to make ends meet.
Expanding pre-school and full day kindergarten to help close the achievement gap.
Protecting vital funding for second-language learners.
Restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit to twenty-five percent to lift New Jerseyans out of poverty.
Ensure that all eligible New Jerseyans have access to quality, affordable health care.
Provide essential support to Latino businesses.

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