DSP RALLY
- This event has passed.
May 13, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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.
What to Wear:
If you already have a lime green Coalition for aDSP 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.
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 State House.
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.
