Democrat,

This week, we commemorated and celebrated Juneteenth, a significant milestone in American history. Juneteenth, also recognized as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Our Black Caucus gathered on Monday to reflect on the day’s profound significance and the lasting impact it carries, culminating in our annual Juneteenth Celebration. This year, we paid tribute to Congressman Donald Payne Jr., honoring his contributions to advancing equality and justice.

Also launched on Juneteenth, Governor Murphy, accompanied by Meek Mill, announced a new initiative aimed at granting pardons and commutations more efficiently in our state. Executive Order No. 362 establishes a Clemency Advisory Board to review applications and recommend actions to the Governor. These reviews include prioritizing cases like non-violent convictions after a period of law-abiding behavior, excessive sentences due to trial outcomes, and cases involving victims of domestic or sexual violence who committed offenses against their perpetrators. The initiative aims to correct systemic injustices, provide second chances, and facilitate rehabilitation, reflecting a commitment to fairness and racial justice in New Jersey's legal system.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we are proud to showcase our amazing LGBTQ+ Caucus members from across the Garden State. Their commitment to representation and activism has been instrumental in driving forward progressive change.

Zoe Heath is the youngest Democratic County Chair in New Jersey. She was elected to be the Chair in Sussex County at just 23, after she had formed the county’s LGBTQ Caucus. Zoe is also the founder of the rural county’s first Pride organization, Sussex County Pride!

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 361 during the annual Pride Month celebration at Drumthwacket to establish the Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools. The Commission aims to enhance New Jersey's support for LGBTQIA+ youth by ensuring schools provide a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. It will address challenges like harassment and bullying that LGBTQIA+ youth often face, along with their increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The Commission will collaborate with the Department of Education to review policies, recommend best practices for inclusivity, and advise on strategies to promote the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students. It will also focus on curriculum inclusivity and educator professional development. The Commission will consist of 20 to 25 members, including five Cabinet members or their designees.

“Providing for the well-being of New Jersey’s young people is not a responsibility I take lightly. In order to deliver a top-notch education to our students, we must ensure our schools serve as a welcoming environment for all learners,” said Governor Murphy. “Now more than ever – while we are observing a nationwide uptick in hatred and bigotry – it is critical to convene experts to inform our approach to uplifting our LGBTQIA+ youth. All children in New Jersey deserve to feel safe and respected in the classroom.”

This week, President Biden and the White House announced it would take specific actions to make the employment visa process easier for college graduates, including DACA recipients and other DREAMers, who have high-skilled job offers. The initiative aims to make the application process faster and more streamlined, while prioritizing those who have invested in American education.

“Allowing those who have lived here at least ten years a chance to continue living here without fear of deportation is fair and long overdue. . . . Immigration is at the heart of who we are as Americans.” said U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). The executive order will not change the basic requirements for work visas like the H-1B. However, it could indicate a policy shift to prioritize applications from individuals who graduated from U.S. colleges and universities. The EO will also likely expand on the current definition of “high-skilled jobs” like the standard Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Join us for an hour-long on Wednesday, June 26th at 5:00PM (virtual) for a Mobilize general training, a platform dedicated to mobilizing Democrats.

Sign up here!