Democrat,

This weekend we celebrate Labor Day, a national holiday that gives us time to reflect on the vital contributions of American workers and the incredible progress we've achieved thanks to labor unions. It's also a celebration of the progress we've made in securing workers' rights and improving working conditions, as well as a reminder of our unwavering commitment, as Democrats, to propel this progress forward. We must stand firm in our resolve to expand protections for workers and ensure fair and equal pay that aligns with the modern day costs of living. New Jersey is a proud union state with over 600,000 active union members representing over 16% of New Jersey’s workforce, a significantly higher percentage than the national average of 10%. Having such a strong presence of union members reflects Democratic legislators’ ongoing dedication to workers' rights, fair labor practices, and the pursuit of better working conditions for all New Jerseyans.

This week a report from Innerbody Research showed New Jersey is the safest in the nation. Lately there has been a lot of misinformation about the prevalence of crime in the U.S. Using FBI data, this study provides a snapshot of what violent criminal activity actually looks like in each state, and what factors could have an impact on that data. The report explained two major factors that got New Jersey to the top spot:

GUN SAFETY - “Besides California, New Jersey is stricter on gun control than any other state in the country, which more than likely contributes to it landing at the #1 spot on our list.” Most of the states that have the highest rate of crime against persons in this study also have lax gun laws.

POLICE REFORM - “New Jersey’s position at the top of our list could be partially due to the state’s ambitious police reform policy, a part of Attorney General Mathew Platkin’s ‘Excellence in Policing’ initiative. This initiative was developed to promote a culture of professionalism, accountability and transparency.”

The results of this study provide compelling statistical evidence that Governor Murphy's visionary plan to enhance the safety and equity of New Jersey is undeniably working and reinforces the idea that electing leaders who prioritize the well-being of all residents and advocate for compassionate governance can yield profoundly positive results. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and investing in community-focused programs, Governor Murphy’s administration is creating an environment where residents can thrive. These successes also underscore the importance of continuing to elect leaders who align with the forward-thinking values exemplified by Governor Murphy and our Democratic legislators. If we continue to do this, New Jersey will continue to set an example for the rest of the country. Empathetic leadership grounded in data-driven decision-making is the key to creating positive change for American families.

This week Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare Price Negotiation – a critical provision under the Inflation Reduction Act that will finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs for seniors, people with disabilities, and others. For decades, Republicans and Big Pharma have blocked large scale negotiations like this , forcing millions of Americans to choose between paying for medications they need to live, or paying for other basic necessities. Up to 9 million Americans will likely benefit from the new negotiated drug prices on 10 drugs used to treat some of the most common diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, blood clots, and cancers. In 2022 just one of these drugs could cost seniors up to $6,497 in out-of-pocket costs per year.

“This announcement is part of Democrats’ ongoing effort to lower prescription drug prices and cap seniors’ Medicare Part D out-of-pocket spending,” said NJ Democratic Congressman, and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Frank Pallone. “Seniors are already benefiting from the Inflation Reduction Act’s monthly $35 cap on insulin and penalties to pharmaceutical companies for raising prices faster than inflation. Democrats are committed to reining in the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry and lowering prescription drug prices for the American people, and today’s announcement is a major step in that effort.”

I am grateful that President Biden and his administration have remained true to their word and have continued to fight to lower health care costs for those who need it most. This commitment reflects a dedication to creating a healthier and more equitable society, where quality healthcare is seen as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Quick reminder to make sure you take advantage of the second annual back-to-school sales tax holiday - online and in stores - that ends September 4th! Click here for a full list of tax- free items included in the holiday.

P.P.S One last reminder that our Veteran's Caucus first in-person meeting of the year is tonight from 6:30-9:00 PM. We hope to see you there!