January 2024 Legislative Update

As we enter the new year, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of the 27th Legislative District.

This past year, I have worked to address the issues that matter most to our district: expanding mental health resources in schools, supporting working families and children with disabilities, promoting environmental sustainability, combating antisemitism and bias, and defending workers’ rights. I am proud of our efforts to enhance public safety, improve educational access, ensure equitable healthcare, and secure critical funding to benefit our communities.

Throughout the year, my office has connected constituents to vital programs like ANCHOR, Medicaid, SNAP, and Mobile MVC services. Many of our legislative initiatives were born out of meaningful conversations with residents whose insights helped shape policies that reflect the needs of our district. Participating in community events, parades, and celebrations has been both productive and enjoyable.

It has also been deeply rewarding to recognize the achievements, milestones, and life events of our residents—whether through ceremonial resolutions, citations, or letters celebrating life’s joyous occasions. At the same time, it has been a solemn honor to provide comfort and solidarity when grief or hardship touched our neighbors.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and support. I remain committed to listening, growing, and fighting for all of us, and I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and peaceful New Year.

In Service,
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie

My Holiday Food Drive and Celebration in December was the highlight of my first legislative year. Bringing new friends together, building community, and helping those who need it most—while sharing the moment with family and an amazing staff—makes every effort meaningful.

With your support, we were able to create hundreds of Emergency Relief Care Packages for Power of One and Toni’s Kitchen.

Here’s to making a difference together. Onward and upward to an even better 2025!

Hannukah in Livingston is always special and this year’s gathering on the sixth night was an epic celebration. It was an honor to light the first candle and enjoy the lights, music, and sufganiyot!

Thank you Governor and Tammy Murphy for hosting a beautiful Hanukkah celebration at Drumthwacket. It was incredibly poignant –  yet painful – to hear from Adi and Yael Alexander, parents of American hostage Edan Alexander. Not a day goes by that we are not thinking about our hostages and praying for their safe return. Thank you to everyone who came together in spirit and strength for our Jewish community here in New Jersey.

I was also happy to join my colleagues for an important discussion on combatting antisemitism at B’nai Shalom. As a proud Jewish American legislator, I will always be a voice for our community, doing everything in my power to stand up against antisemitism. I am proud to sponsor the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, the Antisemitism Task Force Bill, and Bill A3558 which would establish a state definition of antisemitism.

We had so many opportunities to celebrate the holiday season with holiday parties hosted by the West Orange Democratic County Committee, the Essex County Education Association, Roseland’s Hometown Christmas Celebration wiith Mayor Spango, The League of Women Voters in Livingston NJ (including the high school branch), Clifton Mayor Ray Grabowski, the Montclair Democratic Party, and, of course, the Camuso Family Holiday Display in Livingston! All were wonderful opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together.

It was a pleasure to participate in the Bergen County School Boards Association Winter County Meeting at Hackensack High School for an important panel discussion on teacher shortages in Bergen County. Thank you to my colleague, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, for joining me on the panel and to BCSBA Vice President Dr. Letizia Pantoliano for doing an excellent job as moderator. A special thanks to Michael Jacobs, BCSBA President, and the entire executive committee for your leadership and for organizing this meaningful and timely discussion.

I had a wonderful time at the Women’s Political Caucus Coffee & Networking Event at the State House. It was inspiring to connect with so many incredible women leaders and advocates. Thank you to the organizers for such a great event!

A special thank you to Pat Ippolito for his unwavering dedication to the children of Livingston—your passion and advocacy truly inspire us all! I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pat for the warm acknowledgment at the Livingston Town Council meeting regarding the budget resolution Senator McKeon and I sponsored. $1.5 million has been secured for enhancements to the Livingston Baseball Fields—a huge win for our community!

Congratulations to Marion Feldman and her son David on 40 incredible years of Ritz Diner! The Ritz is not just a diner—it’s a cherished part of our community.

The LD27 team spent a wonderful day in Clifton, spreading holiday cheer by donating toys to St. Peter’s Haven and the Clifton Boys and Girls Club.

Thank you to the Dominican-American Center of New Jersey for an amazing honor at the Night of Dominican Appreciation in Newark, a truly meaningful recognition of individuals and institutions that care about protecting, promoting, and defending the Dominican community.