Democrat,

Yesterday, we marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, paying tribute to the memory of the Greatest Generation. These brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy, and we will always be thankful for their courageous service in the defense of democracy. This pivotal moment in our history holds great meaning for Americans not only for past generations but for future generations to come.

On Tuesday, New Jersey headed to the polls for the Primary Election. I'd like to express my gratitude to the candidates who made the decision to have their names placed on the ballot. Your commitment to participating in the electoral process is commendable, and your willingness to serve is valued. As we continue to work towards November, we must remember what is at stake here in New Jersey and across the country. Reproductive rights are again on the ballot this year, and we must remain vigilant. Get involved with us as we work to re-elect President Joe Biden, keep the Senate blue, and flip the House.

Governor Murphy signed new legislation that requires firefighters who are eligible for enrollment in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but not currently enrolled, to have access to periodic cancer screening examinations. Paid, full-time firefighters enrolled in the SHBP or those working for a public employer not participating in the SHBP are already entitled to a cancer screening examination every three years under the current law. With the new bill, this benefit now extends to firefighters who waive their employer-sponsored health care but are still eligible for coverage under the SHBP through their public employment. The State will reimburse up to $1,250 per three-year period for each firefighter's examination, regardless of their participation in their employer's health care plan.

"Thousands of firefighters across the state put their lives on the line for their communities," said Governor Murphy. "We must do what we can to provide these incredible men and women with the health care they deserve. Preventive cancer screenings will not only save lives and reduce unnecessary suffering, but also ensure our public servants remain healthy."

This week in Washington served as a clear sign of the potential future of our nation and reproductive rights if we fail to exert every possible effort to prevent Donald Trump from returning to office this November. Senate Republicans have blocked the Right to Contraception Act, a measure designed to safeguard Americans' access to contraception.

“This is a show vote. It’s not serious,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said. “Plus, it’s a huge overreach… It’s a phony vote because contraception, to my knowledge, is not illegal. It’s not unavailable.” This is the type of rhetoric we need voters to understand is what is at stake if we do not come out in historic numbers this fall. This is not the first, nor last time, Republicans come after Americans’ rights to reproductive healthcare. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many states have gone on to enact even stricter restrictions on reproductive healthcare.

I leave you with this statement we should remember time and time again heading into November. “This week and in future weeks, Senate Republicans will have to answer for their anti-abortion, anti-women agenda,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. We must hold Republicans accountable for their blatant disregard for women’s rights.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Join our Black Caucus for a virtual meeting to learn about post-primary activities on Tuesday, June 11th.