Democrat,

This week New Jersey voters proved – again – that extremist Republican policies have no place in our state. And New Jersey Democrats proved — again — that, even under a consensus redistricting map, when we unite and organize as a party, we win.

Democrats outperformed expectations for a midterm election, not only maintaining control of both chambers of the State Legislature, but picking up seats and winning decisively in many of the state’s most contested races. And we did it by focusing on the issues that matter most to New Jersey: standing up for reproductive rights; putting money back in people’s pockets through historic property tax relief for the middle class and seniors; ensuring the safety of our communities through common sense, gun safety laws; funding our public schools; and maintaining steady leadership in the statehouse. These are New Jersey values. In contrast, the Republican Party continues to be driven by grievance, misinformation, conspiracy theories, attacks on reproductive freedom and blind fealty to Donald Trump. New Jersey voters made a statement last night: they do not want this extremism in Trenton.

You can read my full statement on the midterm election here.

This weekend we celebrate Veterans Day and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces, including our Veterans Caucus Co-Chairs, Debbie Hamilton-Clax and Julio Aponte III. NJ Dems stand firm in their dedication to supporting policies and initiatives that enhance the well-being of our veterans. We recognize the importance of ensuring access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and employment resources for those who have selflessly defended our freedoms. May we always honor the courage and commitment of our veterans by continuing to fight for a better, more inclusive future for all.

Find out how you can get involved in advocating for the rights and needs of our veteran community in New Jersey by signing up to join our Veterans Caucus!

This week, as part of his continued commitment to ensuring universal access to high-quality, full-day preschool throughout New Jersey, Governor Murphy announced and award of $51.9 million in federal grant funding from the state to 23 school districts to support projects that will enable the creation, expansion, and renovation of preschool facilities statewide.

“This funding will enable more districts to expand their capacity to offer full-day preschool programming to more students, building upon our efforts to provide every 3- and 4-year-old child in our state with access to high-quality pre-K,” said Governor Murphy. “Equitable access to early childhood education across the board is key to ensuring the long-term success of our children and our state as a whole. My Administration will continue to work toward bringing free, full-day pre-K to every district throughout New Jersey.”

One of the challenges that certain school districts have identified as an obstacle in establishing high-quality preschool has been a lack of adequate facilities, which Governor Murphy’s administration is looking to address. By prioritizing such initiatives, Democrats in New Jersey are setting an example, recognizing that equal access to education from the very beginning is fundamental to the long-term success of both children and the state as a whole.

President Biden announced $16.4 billion in new funding this week for 25 passenger rail projects on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, moving the United States closer to his vision for world-class passenger rail. The investments announced today will rebuild tunnels and bridges that are over 100 years old; upgrade tracks, power systems, signals, stations, and other infrastructure; and, advance future projects to significantly improve travel times by increasing operating speeds and reducing delays.

The Northeast Corridor, running from Boston, MA, to Washington, DC, is the most heavily traveled rail corridor in the United States, supporting 800,000 trips per day in a region that represents 20 percent of U.S. GDP. The trains carry five times more passengers than all flights between Washington and New York. Amtrak trains on the Northeast Corridor also emit up to 83% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to car travel and up to 72% less greenhouse gas emissions than flying. If the Northeast Corridor shut down for a single day, it would cost the economy $100 million in lost productivity. Despite its importance, the Corridor hasn’t seen major investment in generations.

Because of this historic investment the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel will receive $3.8 billion in funding to rehabilitate and expand the Hudson River Tunnel between New York and New Jersey, which is over 100 years old, serves 200,000 passengers daily, and was damaged by Superstorm Sandy. The Gateway Hudson River Tunnel project will improve resiliency, reliability, and redundancy for NJ Transit and Amtrak passengers traveling on the Northeast Corridor between New York and New Jersey.

This is an example of how Bidenomics and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda are tackling long-standing infrastructure needs, supporting communities nationwide, and making it possible to get people and goods where they need to be safely, quickly, and conveniently.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Many New Jerseyans will be celebrating Diwali, one of the most important periods on the Hindu religious calendar. The holiday, also called Deepavali, which translates to "a row of lamps and lights," centers around clay pots that are placed around homes and places of worship that symbolize the light within man that can overcome the darkness of ignorance, according to the Hindu American Foundation. As we join in the celebration of Diwali, let us embrace the symbolism of light dispelling darkness and the shared values of unity and hope. May this festival of lights bring joy, prosperity, and understanding to all. Wishing you and your loved ones a radiant Diwali!