STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2022 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator GORDON M. JOHNSON
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Celebrates diversity across the State and promotes diversity in candidates for elected and appointed positions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Assembly Resolution celebrating diversity in New Jersey and supporting diversity in candidates for office and elected and appointed State officials.
Whereas, Diversity represents the variety of abilities, skills, experiences, and cultural backgrounds of individuals in the State; and
Whereas, New Jersey residents celebrate diverse perspectives, cultures and values shared by diverse individuals and communities and support candidates of diverse backgrounds in pursuing elected office; and
Whereas, The current make-up of elected and appointed officials in the State government does not reflect the nation's or State's diverse population; and
Whereas, New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the country, with nearly 45 percent of New Jersey's residents being a person of color; and
Whereas, Studies have shown that diversity among elected officials can lead to policies that increase racial equality; and
Whereas, An organization that has a diverse group of individuals in leadership offer various ideas, perspectives and learning opportunities, avoiding narrow groupthink and promoting creative results; and
Whereas, Diversity among government officials lead to an overall increase in political efficacy, which is the belief that civic participation leads to meaningful social change; and
Whereas, Inclusion of underrepresented perspectives and a diverse pool of leaders can enhance the government's ability to serve the needs of its entire population and better the welfare of the people of this State; and
Whereas, New Jersey supports diversity in elected and appointed officials such that elected and appointed individuals are representative of the all communities in the State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House celebrates the diversity in New Jersey and supports diverse candidates for elected and appointed State positions.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Chief Diversity Officer of the State of New Jersey, and the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Department of State.
STATEMENT
This resolution recognizes and celebrates the extensive diversity in the State of New Jersey and supports diversity in candidates for office and elected and appointed positions.
The current make-up of State government does not reflect the State's diverse population and that should change. An organization that has a diverse group of individuals in leadership offer varying ideas, perspectives and learning opportunities resulting in creative and innovative solutions. An increase in innovation and creativity will aid the State in becoming a model of equality and inclusivity across the country. The State is at its best when talent is drawn from all parts of our State, and accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are brought to bear to overcome challenges. A government representative of its people is better run and helps achieve equity. Studies have shown diversity in leadership can lead to increased racial equality. Diverse officials may implement policies that are more inclusive and lead to a more representative democracy, higher levels of political efficacy, and better policies to better the welfare of the communities in the State.
The General Assembly celebrates diversity in New Jersey and is committed to supporting diverse candidates, which accurately reflect the diverse communities across the State, for elected and appointed State positions.