The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey announced the hiring of lobbying firm Kaufman Zita Group to support its effort to pass the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA). The statewide campaign to protect and expand much needed access to reproductive health care in New Jersey is led by the Thrive NJ Coalition, of which the ACLU-NJ is a founding member. Kaufman Zita’s Senior Vice President, Jeannine LaRue, and Executive Vice President, Beth Dohm, will lead the firm's governmental affairs work for the RFA campaign.
“The passage of the RFA is paramount for New Jersey to ensure that everyone has access to reproductive health care. This landmark legislation is about equity and justice, particularly for communities facing the impact of barriers rooted in systemic racism that push health care – including reproductive health care – out of reach. We look forward to working with Jeannine, Beth, and the Kaufman Zita Group team to pass the RFA and strengthen equality in the Garden State,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha.
“At a moment when other states seek to push reproductive health care out of reach, and a direct threat to the constitutional right to an abortion lingers before the U.S. Supreme Court, New Jersey has the opportunity to take bold, proactive and immediate action in advancing health care access and equity for all New Jerseyans by passing the Reproductive Freedom Act. We are excited to build upon our efforts with the Thrive Coalition and push the RFA over the finish line,” said ACLU-NJ Campaign Strategist Alejandra Sorto.
A seasoned lobbyist and political strategist, Jeannine LaRue has over 45 years of experience and a career that has included governmental, policy, and political appointments, as well as prominent government affairs positions at some of New Jersey’s most prestigious health and higher education organizations throughout the state. Jeannine has long been a champion of issues affecting women, children, social, and racial justice, and has been consistently recognized as an influential leader in New Jersey politics and government.
“New Jersey must do more to ensure that everyone who needs essential reproductive health care services are able to receive it – passing the RFA would begin to do exactly that. I’m honored and excited to work alongside legislative sponsors and advocates on this critical legislation, especially knowing how reproductive rights remain vulnerable across the country,” said Kaufman Zita’s Senior Vice President Jeannine LaRue.
Also joining the campaign is Beth Dohm, an effective and accomplished lobbyist with vast experience leading challenging legislative initiatives. Beth has first-hand knowledge about how to best develop and execute successful legislative campaigns, which will prove instrumental in Thrive NJ’s effort to pass the RFA.
“Passing the RFA will be essential to eliminating existing inequities in health care access that persist in New Jersey. All New Jerseyans – regardless of income level, race, immigration status, or gender identity – are entitled to quality and affordable health care, which the RFA will protect and expand. I look forward to supporting the effort to provide equal access to health care for everyone who calls the Garden State home,” said Kaufman Zita Executive Vice President Beth Dohm.
