General Newsletter From the Office of Senator Andy Kim

Happy Friday, New Jersey,

This week, Senator Kim was in D.C. as the government shutdown came to an end. We know the shutdown fight was long and grueling for many. We’d like to thank those who shared their healthcare stories with us and opened up about how the government shutdown was impacting them.

We’d also like to recognize the federal workers who went without a paycheck for more than 40 days, and New Jerseyans who felt the burden of this Administration’s weaponization of food and hunger.

We know how hard this has been and we hope you know that this fight isn’t over. We’ll continue to fight to lower your costs, and to fight for a government that works for you. 

Working for New Jersey:

FIGHTING TO LOWER YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS:

Although the government shutdown came to an end on Wednesday night, the fight to lower your healthcare costs is far from over. We know so many New Jerseyans are seeing their healthcare costs double, or even triple, and that forces families to make painful decisions about the care they can afford to receive. Senator Kim remains committed to standing with so many in New Jersey and around this country who are being hurt by these skyrocketing costs. 
 
It’s why he voted “no” on the funding bill that failed to meet the urgency of the moment and deliver actual relief to people. He said,

“I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating healthcare cost increases that are hurting millions of families. 
 
Trump and Republican leaders created this crisis, and they’ve only used it to make things worse for working families by withholding food assistance for their own political gain. 
 
This fight isn’t over, and I’m going to continue to stand with so many who are being hurt.”

Thank you again to everyone who has shared their stories with our office. We see you and we hear you. There’s no excusing this. It’s a huge setback but we must regroup, expose the cruelty of Trump’s actions, and never stop fighting for the right of healthcare for every American.

HIGHLIGHTING THE SERVICE OF NEW JERSEY VETERANS:

Ahead of Veterans’ Day, Senator Kim hosted his first Veterans Town Hall as a U.S. Senator, continuing an annual tradition that he held as Congressman.

To honor the service of our veterans, it is essential to listen to their stories. Through the Veterans Town Hall, we were proud to create a gathering space that celebrates the legacy of New Jersey veterans’ sacrifice.

Thank you to Dan Cahill (Commander, U.S. Navy), Jim Fleischmann (Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force), and Stephen Kosloski (Commander, U.S. Navy) for sharing your stories, and thank you to all who tuned in. 

ICYMI: Watch the full town hall here or a highlight reel here. 

SHARING NEW JERSEYANS’ STORIES OF GIVING BACK:

We know that in tough times, New Jerseyans look out for each other. 
 
The government shutdown lasted 43 days. In that time, President Trump fought to take food away from people who need it most, but New Jersey stepped up to help communities in need. 
 
Their stories are truly inspiring. 
 
Pamela from Rocky Hill, NJ purchased grocery store gift cards with her own money to replace the SNAP benefits people were losing.

Linda from Hackensack, NJ is donating weekly to fight hunger. She writes, “I will be donating weekly to Hackensack food collections and sending donations to local charities that provide food.” 
 
Gregory from Lebanon, NJ shared, “I will continue volunteering at the Flemington Food Pantry to pack orders for seniors and help to deliver those orders to seniors.” 
 
And Maureen from Egg Harbor Township, NJ told us, “We delivered close to 200 pounds of food to the Community Food Bank as well as multiple monetary contributions... We are also collecting turkeys for Eastern Services Center for their Thanksgiving meal.” 
 
Thank you so much for all you are doing to help our neighbors in need. 

Working for you at the Capitol:

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST TRUMP’S TARIFFS: 

Trump’s tariffs have been nothing short of a disaster for American families. Higher grocery, gas, rent, healthcare, and utility prices — the average household can’t afford this.

It’s time we put a stop to these tariffs and focus on lowering costs across the board. 

Watch Senator Kim break down why we must fight back against Trump's tariffs. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTACTING YOUR REPRESENTATIVES:

Recently, Senator Kim sat down with Jess Craven to talk about the importance of contacting your representatives.

Senator Kim often says that the opposite of democracy is apathy. We can’t give in to a sense of hopelessness. We all have the power to make a difference and to show collective action when it comes to pushing forward change around issues we care about. 

Watch Senator Kim talk with Jess Craven about the importance of staying engaged.

HONORING NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS' MONTH:

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Recently, Senator Kim opened up about how he's become a caregiver to his father who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and spoke about his experience at the Caregivers Nation Summit.

We look forward to sharing more about the Senator’s journey with you, but in the meantime, we'd like to say thank you to all the caregivers out there who are doing the tireless and often invisible work of taking care of loved ones. We see you and we appreciate you. 

STAY CONNECTED:

We're now on Substack:

The Senator is now on Substack! Follow and subscribe at senatorandykim.substack.com to stay up to date on our latest collaborations, Diner Talks, and more! 

Subscribe to our Grants Newsletter:

Are you a nonprofit or local leader in the community? Make sure you’re signed up for our office’s Grants Newsletter! Our Grants Newsletter will provide information regarding available grant opportunities, application deadlines, invitations to funding webinars and informational videos, and tips and resources for nonprofits. Feel free to share this link with colleagues who may also benefit from these updates. 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU:

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you in the United States Senate. It is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly. We know these are difficult times, and we will continue to fight for everyone across the state of New Jersey and stand ready to serve you however we can.
 
If you need help, please contact us at kim.senate.gov, and keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, Substack, and/or YouTube. 

Sincerely,

The Office of Senator Andy Kim

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