John, while we enjoy our barbecues today and mark the unofficial end of summer, I wanted to take a moment to honor our laborers and tell you more about where things stand in our fight for income equality. 

Labor Day was created to commemorate the hardworking men and women who make up the backbone of our nation – but we must show up for them every day, not just today.

The statistics are alarming. Income inequality in the United States is higher than in almost any other high-income nation, 60% of adults in the United States live paycheck to paycheck and wages across the nation have remained stagnant despite the astronomical increases in the cost of living.

Simply put, we are allowing corporate greed to hollow out the middle class.

But I'm fighting hard to change the rigged system so working families, not corporate profits, come first. And I know we can get there – but passing progressive legislation like a $15 federal minimum wage, lowering health care costs, closing the gender pay gap and more is going to require all of us working together. 

So today and every day, I'm proud to stand with our union brothers and sisters as we fight for prosperity and economic justice for all – and when I win this incredibly competitive Senate seat, I'll bring this fight with me. If you're able to spare any amount for my progressive campaign, I would be incredibly grateful for your support.

Thank you for being in this fight with me. Happy Labor Day!

- Barbara Lee