Activity Report
January 2006

• LAWRENCE:
  • Wal-Mart:
    On January 3, the Lawrence Township Council rejected the proposed living wage ordinance, citing potential conflicts with state and federal statutes. Our attorneys at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University are reviewing the ordinance and have prepared a legal brief that shreds the Lawrence memo. Several townships in NJ already have living wage statutes; it is not against federal or NJ law for townships to require wage standards higher than federal or state requirements. We will introduce a revised ordinance on February 21.

    Meanwhile, we are planning monthly educational forums (times and locations to be announced):

    • Wednesday, 15 March: More on the Living Wage Ordinance (details to be announced)

    • Monday, 17 April: Wal-Mart and You: Buying Local

    • Monday, 15 May: Free Speech and Unionization: Your First Amendment Rights

    • Wednesday, 21 June: Wal-Mart and Women: What Has Gone Wrong and How We Can Fix It

• HAMILTON:

  Bad news for Hamilton's downzoning ordinance: Beazer Homes and Thompson Land are suing the Townhsip over the ordinance. This news is new and still sketchy. We are in the process of getting permission to join the Township in their legal defense. But we need more information first. Stay tuned.