Rep. Watson Coleman Honored by Rutgers Bloustein School of Public Policy as Governor James J. Florio Distinguished Visiting Scholar Lecturer

Rep. Watson Coleman Honored by Rutgers Bloustein School of Public Policy as Governor James J. Florio Distinguished Visiting Scholar Lecturer

Yesterday, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) addressed an auditorium full of young, aspiring public servants at the Rutgers Bloustein School of Public Policy.

The Congresswoman's lecture was titled, Defending Democracy: The Fight for a Floor Beneath Which No Person Should Fall, and covered the myriad ways in which the federal government can more aptly marshal resources to combat poverty.

"Poverty is among the most intractable problems facing our country, threatening access to the American Dream for millions of Americans over generations," said Rep. Watson Coleman. "Today, despite a booming economy, millions still struggle to access basic necessities. Much of the gains made over the last 40 years have gone to the wealthiest Americans, and the wealth gap has increased to its highest levels since the Gilded Age. This stark reality demands a critical examination of our past attempts at eradicating poverty, and their lasting impact on our democracy."

Rep. Watson Coleman was invited to speak as part of the Governor James J. Florio Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Public Policy lecture series. She is the latest in a long line of distinguished speakers who have been honored to give this lecture to the Bloustein School, including Former Senator Bill Bradley, Former Governor Ed Rendell, Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Frank Pallone, and others.

The lecture series focuses on issues that the late Governor Florio championed in office, and throughout his life. Rep. Watson Coleman has made many of these causes central to her public service, introducing a broad array of anti-poverty legislation. During his tenure, Governor Florio appointed Rep. Watson Coleman to be Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, and was an early mentor to her at the outset of her political career.