On October 9, the New Jersey Assembly State and Local Government Committee released Bill A1359 to label genetically engineered foods. In order for the bill to advance through the Legislature, New Jersey legislators need to hear from constituents that want truthful labeling to enable consumers to make choices about their food purchases informed by knowing its content. Phone calls, emails and hand-written letters from constituents will influence the legislators and take action to help this bill become law. GMO Free NJ has created a user-friendly tool for contacting state legislators at GMO FreeNJ.com/gmolabelnj/.

The website provides links and talking points to make the call easy and seamless. GMO Free NJ suggests that citizens ask legislators to support the labeling of genetically engineered foods so that the bill will advance to the full assembly floor, through the state Senate and onto the governor’s desk.

Assemblywoman Linda Stender, the main sponsor of the bill has championed the issue with extraordinary commitment and diligence. The bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2014-2015 session and has been technically reviewed and amended, with three assembly members voting yes, one voting no and one voting to abstain. The legislators that voted yes have listened to their constituency, taken the time to study the issue and come to realize the urgency for GMO labeling.

Source: GMO Free NJ. For more information, visit GMOFreeNJ.com.