The protest, organized by the New Jersey Education Association teachers union, was designed to replicate Washington's crossing before the Battle of Trenton Watch video
Helen Scherer of Burlington County Special Services school where she teaches special education leads protestors in a chant as she walks on State Street in Trenton on the day the Senate votes on pension reform.TRENTON — About 200 public employees marched across the Delaware River this morning in protest of cuts to their benefits.
Later, protesters attempting to get into the Statehouse were pushed back by State Police troopers.
Led by Revolutionary War re-enactors, the workers carried signs and chanted as they crossed the Calhoun Street Bridge from Morrisville, Pa. to Trenton.
The protest, organized by the New Jersey Education Association teachers union, was designed to replicate Washington's crossing before the Battle of Trenton.
The group marched to the Statehouse where they met up with another group that began at the War Memorial.
Much smaller than a similar rally last week at the capitol, the protesters waved American flags and "Don't Tread on Me" flags.
Brian Cullen, a science teacher in Hamilton, said he participated in the march to hopefully reduce the impact of the cuts being made. He said he's hopeful the rallies will have some affect on lawmakers.
"I have to know that I did my work to stem the slashing of benefits," Cullen said. "I'll sleep better tonight."
The protesters have adopted symbols usually associated with the conservative tea party movement.
Several are sporting the Gadsden Flag - which features the words "Don't tread on me" — while historical re-enactors in revolutionary garb cheer them on.
"These are the times that try men's souls," a Thomas Paine re-enactor told the crowd amassed in front of the building where the Assembly Budget Committee is meeting.
About 11 a.m., the crowd turned toward the Statehouse Annex, looked up to the fourth floor where the bill is being debated, and began chanting "We'll be back, we'll be back." Nine state troopers blocked the main entrance to the complex and were no longer admitting the public.
"We need to be accommodated," said Robin Williams of Lawrenceville, who was trying to get into the building. "Not to be allowed in for such a life-changing decision is a disgrace."
Williams blasted Democratic leaders for backing the proposed bill.
"I feel totally betrayed by Sweeney and Oliver," she said, referring to Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex). "I don't think they speak for the real leaders of the Democratic party and they need to go."
Minutes later -- with speakers booming, whistles singing and noise-makers clapping -- the crowd danced to "We're Not Gonna Take It," a popular 1984 hit by heavy metal band Twisted Sister. The rally then marched toward the doors of the Statehouse.
At the rally, New Jersey Education Association President Barbara Keshishian equated state workers’ opposition to the pension and health benefit bill rapidly moving through the Legislature today with the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution, which gave a much-needed morale boost to the Continental Army against the British.
Keshishian called today’s protests near the Statehouse, which were attended by about 1,000 union members, “The Second Battle of Trenton.”
“We are here today to do the very same thing, ladies and gentlemen. We have taken some blows in recent months. We look at Trenton and see it occupied by hostile forces. By people who put the interests of the wealthy ahead of the needs of the people,” she said.
“I will not sugarcoat this, the situation looks bleak. Once again, the odds look long. But like Washington’s soldiers in 1776, we are determined to fight, and we are determined to win,” said Keshishian.
By Ginger Gibson, Matt Friedman and Christopher Baxter
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