Assemblyman Gary Schaer

10/15/2026

My bill, A4897, is being heard today in the Assembly Judiciary committee! Thank you to New Jersey Policy Perspective for your support for holistic defense.

10/06/2026

Today my office joined the Passaic County Connect Senior Fair at the Passaic City Senior Center. Thank you to the county for your efforts to connects seniors with community resources such as vaccinations and transportation services.

09/29/2026

09/24/2026

My office had the pleasure of attending the Bergen County Senior Festival today. Seniors were able to connect with community and county organizations to learn about vital services available to them. Thank you to Bergen County Department of Human Services for hosting this event filled with food, crafts, and much more!

09/18/2026

My office will be hosting ANCHOR application assistance workshops!

The Department of Treasury will be able to assist you in English and/or Spanish on October 20th from 11 am-2 pm at the Kip Center (55 Kip Ave, Rutherford).

We will also be hosting an ANCHOR workshop in English/Spanish on October 20th from 4:30-7:30 pm at School #6 in Passaic (85 Hamilton Ave, Passaic).

Please bring a photo ID (driver or non-driver license), your 2025 income taxes (or Social Security annual statement), and a social security or ITIN number. Optional items to bring include direct deposit information from your bank.
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¡Mi oficina organizará talleres de asistencia para la aplicación del programa ANCHOR!

El Departamento del Tesoro ofrecerá ayuda en Inglés y Español el 20 de Octubre, de 11:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., en el Kip Center (55 Kip Ave, Rutherford).

También tendramos un taller sobre ANCHOR en Inglés y Español el 20 de Octubre, de 4:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m., en la Escuela #6 de Passaic (85 Hamilton Ave, Passaic).

Por favor, traiga una identificación con foto (licencia de conducir o identificación oficial), su declaración de impuestos de 2025 (o el estado de cuenta anual del Seguro Social) y su número de Seguro Social o ITIN. También puede traer, de manera opcional, la información de su banco para el depósito directo.

09/17/2026

I am honored to recognize the nonprofit, More Than Friends, with a proclamation on behalf of the 36th Legislative District. More Than Friends is a Latino/Caribbean/American initiative, based in Passaic, that is dedicated to providing support for cancer survivors and raising funds for cancer research. Thank you for all you do and your invaluable contributions to the community of Passaic.

09/16/2026

Today I attended the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative Community Open House. BVMI is a nonprofit based in Hackensack, now also open in Garfield, that provides free healthcare services to low-income, uninsured patients. They have treated over a thousand patients in the past 17 years and are continually expanding their program. Thank you for your contributions to our community.

09/11/2026

Learn more about my bill, A4897, which creates the NJ Holistic Representation Model with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender

A legal case rarely tells the whole story.

People can enter the criminal legal system while also facing challenges with housing, employment, mental health, substance use or other needs. These challenges can make it harder to navigate the legal process and can contribute to continued system involvement.

The legal system is designed to address the case before it. But resolving a case does not always address the challenges affecting a client’s stability.

That’s where holistic representation comes in. Holistic representation pairs strong legal advocacy with a team that can help clients connect with existing community and public resources. The team can also gather information that may support the defense.

The goal is stronger representation and fewer cycles of system involvement. That supports stronger communities and public safety.

Legislation has been introduced to expand holistic representation statewide.

Learn more about:
A4897: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/A5000/4897_I1.HTM?
S4298: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S4500/4298_I1.PDF?

Follow as we explore what holistic representation can mean for New Jersey.

09/11/2026

Every day, thousands of New Jerseyans rely on rideshare drivers to get to work, make appointments, and go about their daily lives. That is especially true in places like Passaic, where many do not have access to a car and rely on drivers to get to where they need to go, or depend on driving as their primary source of income.

Despite the essential service that rideshare drivers provide to our communities, many are struggling to make ends meet. Without a union, drivers can lose access to their livelihood without warning from companies like Uber or Lyft, with little representation and no transparent process to repeal these decisions.

I stand with 32BJ SEIU and rideshare drivers in their demand to create a union for better wages and benefits, better working conditions, and greater respect.

09/03/2026

Thank you to my office’s interns, Francesca & Zuzanna, for your hard work this summer! They have successfully drafted policy research memos, wrote letters to constituents, and helped connect constituents with social service programs. Thank you for your contributions to LD 36 and our state.