Britnee Timberlake

Britnee Timberlake is a former member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 34th Legislative District as a member of the Democratic Party. She served in the Assembly from January 29, 2018, until she transitioned to the New Jersey Senate in January 2024, becoming the youngest state senator in New Jersey's history. Timberlake's political career is marked by her commitment to community advocacy, affordable housing initiatives, and various legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of her constituents.

Early life and career

Britnee Timberlake was born on May 14, 1986. She is the daughter of Philip Timberlake, a sergeant in the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and Cathy Walsh Timberlake, an educator who specializes in working with mentally and physically challenged individuals. Growing up in a family dedicated to service and education, Timberlake was influenced by her parents' commitment to community and social issues.

Timberlake pursued her education at Seton Hall University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science followed by a master's degree in public administration. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future career in public service and community advocacy.

Timberlake's early career began in 2010 when she joined AmeriCorps in Union County, New Jersey. During her time with AmeriCorps, she focused on welfare-to-work initiatives, assisting individuals with resume writing, organizing GED clinics, and facilitating career advancement programs. This experience deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities and fueled her desire to effect change through public service.

In 2012, Timberlake took on a leadership role as the housing chair of the Montclair NAACP, where she worked to integrate affordable housing throughout Montclair. Her efforts were aimed at addressing disparities in housing access, which had previously been concentrated in specific areas of the community.

In 2011, Timberlake co-founded the Essex Community Land Trust (ECLT) alongside Harold Simon, the former publisher of ShelterForce magazine. As the Executive Director, she played a pivotal role in establishing New Jersey's only active affordable housing community land trust. Timberlake successfully launched the organization with limited initial funding, overseeing its growth and development. Under her leadership, the ECLT raised over $2 million in housing subsidies, created community development partnerships, and helped maintain the affordability of numerous homes in Montclair.

Legislative service

Timberlake's political career began to take shape when she was elected to represent District 3 of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2014. Upon her election, she became the youngest freeholder in the county's history and was later selected as the board's president in January 2015. This appointment made her the only African American woman to lead a freeholder board in New Jersey at that time. During her tenure, she oversaw a budget exceeding $700 million and implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

As Freeholder President, Timberlake authored an affirmative action law designed to create a county government bid set-aside and joint venture program. This legislation aimed to increase economic opportunities for women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Additionally, she introduced a law requiring banks that conducted business with the county to demonstrate their efforts in reducing foreclosures and supporting low-to-moderate-income communities.

Timberlake also championed the Essex County Clean Jobs Initiative, which established job training and placement programs for unemployed and underemployed residents in environmental sectors. Her advocacy extended to law enforcement, where she pushed for the implementation of body cameras for sheriff's department officers.

In January 2018, Timberlake was sworn in to the New Jersey General Assembly, succeeding Sheila Oliver, who had been elected as Lieutenant Governor. Timberlake's arrival in the Assembly marked a continuation of her commitment to public service and advocacy for her constituents. She became a prime author of the $15 minimum wage bill, which was signed into law in 2019, reflecting her dedication to improving the economic conditions for working families.

During her time in the Assembly, Timberlake introduced the Fair Work Week Act, which aimed to protect shift workers by ensuring they had access to consistent schedules and adequate rest periods. She also sponsored legislation that mandated the New Jersey Attorney General to oversee investigations of fatalities occurring during interactions with law enforcement, a move that garnered support from various advocacy groups.

Timberlake's legislative efforts extended to gun control advocacy, where she voiced her commitment to addressing gun violence and promoting public safety measures. Her work in the Assembly demonstrated her focus on social justice and equity, as she sought to address the needs of her constituents through comprehensive policy initiatives.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Timberlake has maintained a strong focus on issues related to social justice, economic opportunity, and community development. Representing the 34th Legislative District, she has prioritized initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in her district, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Timberlake's advocacy for affordable housing has been a cornerstone of her policy agenda. Through her work with the Essex Community Land Trust and her legislative initiatives, she has sought to create sustainable housing solutions that empower families and individuals. Her commitment to economic equity is evident in her efforts to support minority-owned and women-owned businesses, ensuring that all members of her community have access to opportunities for growth and success.

In addition to her focus on housing and economic development, Timberlake has been a vocal advocate for labor rights and workers' protections. Her support for the $15 minimum wage bill and the Fair Work Week Act reflects her dedication to improving working conditions and ensuring fair compensation for all employees.

Timberlake's legislative service has also included a strong emphasis on public safety and accountability within law enforcement. By advocating for measures such as body cameras for officers and oversight of investigations into police-related fatalities, she has aimed to enhance transparency and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

As she transitioned to the New Jersey Senate in January 2024, Timberlake continued to represent the interests of her constituents, bringing her experience and commitment to public service to a new legislative role. Her career reflects a dedication to community advocacy, social justice, and the pursuit of equitable policies that benefit all residents of New Jersey.