Democrat,

 

Last weekend, we held our 2023 NJDSC Conference Road Trip, which was a resounding success! Democrats from across New Jersey came together to strategize, organize, and plan for the future of our Party and our state. We are all still feeling the enthusiasm and motivation we experienced that weekend- and hope you are too! 

 

Each day of the conference featured a range of incredible speakers, including Governor Phil Murphy, Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill, NJDSC Vice-Chair Peg Schaffer, LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair Lauren Albrecht and many more. 

 

We also had the opportunity to introduce our new Interfaith Committee with a panel that featured religious leaders from across the state: Reverend Thuselle C. Williams (Chair and Moderator), Imam Khalil Abdullah, Rajvir S. Goomer, Dipal Pandya, Reverend Idida Rodriguez, and Rabbi Robert Wolkoff. The discussion highlighted the significance of community and mutual understanding across different faith traditions.

Thank you to everyone who gathered with us throughout New Jersey and shared an enthusiastic energy for the future of our state - we are feeling inspired and excited for what’s to come.
 

This week Governor Murphy and Senate President Nicholas Scutari announced $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to help Union County expand access to equitable, affordable child and adolescent mental health care services. 

 

“My Administration continues to take a whole-of-government approach, alongside our legislative and community partners, to addressing the mental health needs of New Jersey youth,” said Governor Murphy. “It is imperative we work to ensure every young person has access to the resources and services they need to thrive, particularly in light of the national youth mental health crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must continue to have these conversations to help reduce the stigma around mental health as we work to expand access to mental health support in every community in our state – including right here in Union County with the allocation of this $5 million to help children and adolescents throughout the region.”

 

Governor Murphy continues to take the mental health crisis in our country seriously and make strategic investments aimed at bolstering mental health services and initiatives. He is prioritizing mental well-being as a fundamental aspect of public health, expanding access to affordable mental health care, strengthening community-based programs, and enhancing early intervention and prevention efforts- all of which I applaud and look forward to working with the Governor on to expand.

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams is the first openly LGBTQ+ Commissioner in the County of Union. She was elected to her first full three-year term in November 2019 and was re-elected last year. Also in 2022, she served her first term as Chair of the Board, thus also becoming the first LGBTQ+ individual to serve in that role in Union County history.

As Chair of the Board, Commissioner Williams presided over the opening of Tëmike Park, Union County’s first-of-its-kind inclusive park, with a rainbow archway, meditation labyrinth, plantings in rainbow colors, and purple playground equipment to signify anti-bullying. In 2022, she was recognized as #1 on InsiderNJ’s annual “Insider Out 100: LGBTQ+ Power List,” and in 2018, her first year on the board, she was honored by Governor Phil Murphy with a “Champion of Equality Award” for her distinguished leadership and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Commissioner Williams has been in the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, working with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to address housing, senior services, education, health, public safety, community engagement, and other areas of concern. Prior to her election to the Commissioner Board, Williams served two terms on the Plainfield City Council where, as Council President in 2017, she hosted the first-ever Pride Month flag raising in front of Plainfield City Hall.

 

On top of the news from the recent jobs report showing that the economy added 339,000 jobs in May, we have learned that we are making progress in fighting inflation—which is good news for hardworking families all across New Jersey.

 

“Unemployment remains at historic lows and annual inflation is now at the lowest level since March 2021, and less than half of what it was last June. We have taken action to bring down the cost of gas at the pump, prescription drugs, and health insurance premiums,” said President Biden. “While there is more work to do, the plan that I laid out a year ago to bring down the cost of living and sustain stable and steady growth is working. I’ve never been more optimistic that our best days are ahead of us.”

 

Here’s a brief look at the progress we have made in fighting inflation, thanks to President Biden and Democrats’ leadership:

  • Annual inflation is at the lowest level in more than 2 years—since March 2021.
  • Annual inflation has fallen for 11 months—and is less than half what it was last June.
  • Wagers rose over the last year—accounting for inflation.
  • Gas prices are down about $1.40 from their peak after Putin’s war.
  • Energy prices fell 11% over the last year.
  • Grocery prices are trending down—egg prices down nearly 30% since January.

 

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

 

P.S. This weekend we observe Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and resilience! This both state and federally recognized holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and allows us all to reflect on the significance of liberation and the enduring struggle for equality. Let us honor the past, embrace the present, and work together to build a future rooted in justice, unity, and love. Happy Juneteenth to all!

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Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

 

New Jersey Democratic State Committee
142 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
United States

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