On April 23, 2023, from 10 am - 4 pm, celebrate Earth Day weekend with us by joining a collaboration between Arbor Vitae and CATA for a plant identification nature walk from the Bridgeton office to the garden.

Led by Richard, an expert in plant and herb identification, we'll explore the native plants and weeds in downtown Bridgeton. We'll also prepare cultural plates in the garden and share a meal together, connecting with our roots and increasing our appreciation for the environment. Plus, there will be free herbal remedy consultations (available upon pre-registration) and community skill-share demonstrations. All are welcome to attend!

Please fill out this form so we know how many people to expect: 

We also provide transportation for Cumberland County residents to the event located in Bridgeton, NJ.

Also, we will send you a full schedule of activities very soon. Stay tuned!

If you have questions or comments, please call Erika at (856) 212 - 0165 or email her at eperez@cata-farmworkers.org.

Exciting news for Maryland! The Pesticides - PFAS Testing - Study bill was passed by the Maryland General Assembly. This bill requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to clarify how to best test for PFAS in pesticides in preparation for a 2024 bill restricting using PFAS-containing pesticides in Maryland.

PFAS has been found in alarming levels in Bay waters, tributaries, drinking water, and fish. The study will include an analysis of the health and environmental impacts of PFAS in pesticides, identification of testing methods, and updates on federal and state efforts to regulate or ban the use of pesticides containing PFAS. MDA must report its findings and recommendations by Nov. 1, 2023.

Even low exposure to PFAS is linked to a multitude of long-term, serious health impacts, including kidney, testicular, prostate, and breast cancer, birth defects and developmental damage in infants, childhood obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and impaired immune function. PFAS levels also affect the severity of COVID-19 infection and have been correlated with vaccine failure.

"This is a positive step towards restricting PFAS in pesticides, benefiting farmworkers, their families, and the wider community living around agricultural fields," said Leila Borrero Krouse, an Organizer/Immigration Specialist at the CATA's Maryland Office.

For more information about the legislation, contact the Smart on Pesticides Coalition.

The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice has been advocating for the passage of the Values Act in New Jersey, an important piece of legislation that would allow New Jerseyans to seek public services, stand up for their rights, and participate fully in their communities without fear of deportation. As a member of the NJAIJ, CATA has been supporting this campaign. To join us in advocating for the Values Act, you can take action here!

New Jersey already has taken first steps toward offering protections through the Immigrant Trust Directive which limits collaboration between local and State law enforcement and ICE. But these protections aren't permanent. The Values Act strengthens the Immigrant Trust Directive's provisions, creates additional safeguards, and ensures that sensitive information is not shared or collected at places like:

• Public schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Public libraries
• Shelters and more

Finally, the Values Act would remove the harmful, dehumanizing term "alien" from state documents and replace it with "non-citizen." With the Values Act all immigrant New Jerseyans who need support can do so with confidence that they belong and are protected.

We are excited to announce that the Driving PA Forward Coalition is organizing a Season of Action and Prayer, from April to June, in our ongoing effort to push forward legislation that will make Pennsylvania a more just and inclusive state by providing access to driver's licenses for all.

Our goal is to lobby for this bill and make Pennsylvania the 16th state in the US to approve this common-sense legislation. We believe that providing standard driver's licenses to all Pennsylvanians will improve the Commonwealth for everyone while respecting the dignity of all families, regardless of immigration status. In addition, the proposed legislation will have numerous benefits, such as enhancing road safety, stimulating the economy, protecting privacy, and providing valid identification to everyone.

We are releasing action steps and prayers for the next few months, including lobbying days, demonstrations, phone banking, and more. So please follow us, stay tuned, and donate if you can. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer, more equitable Pennsylvania with driver's licenses for all.

Can you support the Driving PA Forward Coalition?

• Come to Harrisburg and Join our Next Lobby Day! - Tuesday, April 25, 9-1 pm.
• Make a financial contribution.
• Sign our Petition!