͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌The New Jersey Democratic Party is made up of political leaders that drive progressive change across the Garden State. If you’d like to unsubscribe, click here. [[link removed]]

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Democrat,

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless purge of federal employees hasn’t just gutted essential services—it’s been a direct attack on our nation’s veterans. Nearly 6,000 veterans have already lost their jobs under their mass layoffs, and with Musk’s stated goal of slashing 75 percent of the federal workforce, up to 500,000 MORE could be next. The federal government is the largest employer of veterans, making up nearly a third of the civilian workforce, and these cuts have left countless veterans without stable employment. House Republicans, including New Jersey’s own Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew, and Chris Smith, made matters worse when they voted to undermine veterans’ benefits, further proving they are complicit in this betrayal. Firing VA employees means longer wait times for veterans needing medical care, disability benefits, crisis support, and burial services. This isn’t just mismanagement, it's an outright abandonment of those who served.

New Jersey Democrats aren’t standing by while this happens. Senator Andy Kim has joined Senator Tammy Duckworth in introducing the Protect Veteran Jobs Act , a critical bill to reinstate veterans fired in Trump and Musk’s careless purge. This legislation ensures veterans who dedicated their careers to public service are not tossed aside for a billionaire’s power grab. But passing this bill won’t be easy, it requires public pressure on the very Republicans who voted to strip these veterans of their benefits. New Jerseyans deserve answers and our veterans deserve answers.

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If Kean, Van Drew, and Smith truly stand with veterans, they should hold in-person town halls, face their constituents and explain why they’ve abandoned them. Until then, Democrats will keep fighting to make sure veterans get the jobs and respect they deserve.

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Trump’s latest target? The Department of Education. More than 1,300 workers were fired in one day, gutting the agency that manages student loans, support for students with disabilities, and enforces civil rights in schools. The administration calls it “efficiency”—we call it the horrible dismantling of public education .

And it’s not stopping there. Trump is preparing an executive order to eliminate the department entirely , despite Congress having the final say. Just like with veterans, he’s purging essential workers and leaving Americans to fend for themselves. First, it was VA employees. Now, it's the education staff. Who’s next?

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Claim:
Let’s talk tariffs. Trump claims America was at its “richest” during the late 1800s and early 1900s because of high tariffs—suggesting his new tariffs will do the same today.

The Truth:
That’s wrong and misleading . Real (inflation-adjusted) GDP per capita is many times higher today than it was in the so-called Gilded Age, which largely benefited the wealthy. Economists agree that tariffs were not the driving force behind economic growth at the time—factors like immigration and increased labor productivity played a much bigger role . Trump has even floated the idea that tariffs could replace the federal income tax, but experts say the math doesn’t add up. The U.S. would need an across-the-board 70% tariff on all imports—which would gut businesses, kill jobs, and spike consumer prices .

Impact on New Jersey:
New Jersey’s economy depends on trade, shipping, and manufacturing—sectors that would be devastated by massive tariffs. Higher prices mean higher costs for small businesses, fewer jobs, and economic instability. Trump’s claims aren’t just false—they’re dangerous for working families.

For more on Trump’s false claims, click HERE [[link removed]] to see the facts.

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While Trump guts agencies and pushes reckless policies, New Jersey is stepping up. Governor Murphy’s FY 2025 budget invests $262.8 million into the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, ensuring our veterans get the housing, health care, and tax relief they deserve. While Trump talks about “supporting veterans” but cuts critical programs, New Jersey Democrats are actually delivering—because standing with our veterans means more than just words.

Additionally, our Veterans Caucus is ready to fight for Democratic victories across New Jersey. Last week the caucus held their reorganizational meeting where they made their mission clear: advocate for veterans, elect leaders who support them, and ensure our voices are heard .

Our Veterans Caucus is also recruiting Congressional Liaisons to build veteran representation in every district. For questions contact Raya Arbiol at [email protected] [[email protected]] .

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New Jersey is proud to have a legacy filled with influential women who have played pivotal roles in shaping our Garden State. From activists to community leaders, women in New Jersey have made groundbreaking contributions. This week, we shine a spotlight on Marielka Diaz and Michele Kidd!

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Marielka Diaz is the Vice Chair of the Hudson County Democratic Organization and serves as the Commissioner of Public Affairs for West New York. With a strong commitment to public service, she works tirelessly to improve the community through strategic initiatives and advocacy. Marielka is known for her leadership, dedication to local issues, and her passion for supporting both her constituents and the broader Hudson County community.

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Michele Kidd, Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization and Finance Director for the Somerset County Democratic Committee, is also the owner of Avalanche Workshop, a political consulting and fundraising firm. A returning student at Raritan Valley Community College, she balances her work with family life as a wife and mother to two college students and three cats.

A proud member of the Somerset County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and the NJDSC LGBTQ+ and Jewish Caucuses, Michele advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, fights against biphobia, and works to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and law enforcement. An out and proud bisexual woman, Ms. Kidd is the Chair Emeritus of the Somerset County LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, was a 2024 DNC Delegate, and is a fierce proponent for veterans.

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The time to get involved is NOW, not later! This is your chance to take action and make a real difference. Visit our website for a full list of upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. This is your moment—don’t wait for it to pass. Click HERE! [[link removed]]

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. To our Muslim readers, Ramadan Mubarak! May this holy month bring you peace, reflection, and countless moments of joy with loved ones.

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