Democrat,

As we approach the end of Transgender Awareness Week, the NJDSC would like to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to being a safe and inclusive space for all, especially our nonbinary and transgender community.

Democrats in New Jersey stand as staunch allies, dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of our transgender friends, family, and neighbors. We stand firm against the hateful and divisive rhetoric wielded against the community. Everyone deserves the fundamental right to live peacefully, without fear of discrimination or harm based on their gender identity. True freedom is about more than just legal rights; it's about creating an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and valued for being exactly who they are.

Whether seeking guidance, connections, or a supportive community, know that you are not alone. Together, let's continue advocating for a New Jersey—and a world—where everyone thrives, where differences are celebrated, and where every individual can live authentically and without fear. For support & resources, visit: transgender.nj.gov.

This week it was announced that the New Jersey Department of Health is expanding the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, which is aimed at increasing the availability and awareness of nutritious food and beverage options in neighborhood corner stores in underserved communities, particularly benefiting patrons eligible for SNAP and WIC benefits. The Department is also investing towards stores in Atlantic City, which is currently a leading food desert in New Jersey. The Initiative has three principal objectives:

1. Enhancing healthy food accessibility: The primary goal of the initiative is to improve access to nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, by bolstering the infrastructural capabilities of corner stores with essential resources like refrigeration and freezers to facilitate the effective stocking of healthy products.

2. Empowerment through training and technical assistance: Store owners will receive comprehensive training and technical support to increase the retail availability and profitability of offering healthier dietary choices.

3. Fostering community partnerships: By forging robust connections between store owners, local agriculturalists, and fresh food suppliers, the initiative aims to create a statewide network all working in sync to improve food accessibility.

Expanding the Healthy Corner Store Initiative is a crucial step in addressing the longstanding food access disparities in our underserved communities. By investing in nutritious options within neighborhood stores, we're not just providing sustenance; we're empowering healthier lifestyles and combating chronic health issues. This allows us to help nurture not just bodies, but the vitality of entire neighborhoods.

This week the White House, in coordination with 14 federal agencies, released the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a comprehensive report on the impacts of climate on the United States and what future warming may hold for ecosystems, the economy, and communities across the country.

The report establishes that the effects of rising temperatures are already “worsening across every region of the United States” sending ecosystems into death spirals, reshaping crops and forests, and fueling deadly heat waves. And without deeper cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions and accelerated adaptation to changes already underway, the report authors warn that “severe climate risks to the United States will continue to grow.”

Global warming caused by human activities — mostly the burning of oil, gas and coal — is raising average temperatures in the United States more quickly than it is across the rest of the planet. The assessment acknowledges America’s progress toward pumping less carbon into the atmosphere but says the country must do more — and much, much faster. In response, President Biden unveiled more than $6 billion in funding to strengthen climate resilience “by bolstering America’s electric grid, investing in water infrastructure upgrades, reducing flood risk to communities, and advancing environmental justice for all,” an administration official said.

Amidst the alarming findings, I am grateful knowing that Governor Murphy and NJ Dems have an unwavering commitment to steering our state towards a sustainable future. There is a consistent prioritization of the climate crisis that aligns with the urgency echoed in the report. It's evident that the impacts of climate change are accelerating, posing threats to ecosystems, economies, and communities nationwide. New Jersey's proactive stance on this issue serves as a beacon, demonstrating the significance of immediate and comprehensive measures to combat the intensifying climate crisis.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Interested in being a 2024 Presidential candidate delegate? Join the NJDSC for a virtual info session to go over the 2024 New Jersey Delegate Selection Plan and learn about the application process on Monday, November 20! You can RSVP HERE or e-mail any questions to [email protected].