Democrat,

In the wake of the Capitol insurrection, it’s never been more important to know where our elected officials stand. Some, like Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, are working to expose the darkness that has infested the Republican Party and led to the violence and chaos in Washington DC. Some are taking simpler but no less important steps to clean up the mess that was left in the seat of the federal government, literally speaking in the case of Congressman Andy Kim. Others are standing up for the rule of law, with all ten members of our Democratic Congressional delegation voting to impeach President Trump for inciting the violent insurrection. 

Unfortunately, our state is still represented by two Republicans in Congress who would rather apologize for President Trump’s reprehensible conduct than hold him accountable. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew both covered up for Trump again, voting against impeachment even though it had bipartisan support. And in the case of Jeff Van Drew, he went one step further by objecting to the valid Electoral College results even after the insurrection. If they won’t hold Trump accountable, we will hold them accountable -- and the campaign to defeat both of them begins now. 

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy took decisive action this week to open up vaccine eligibility to millions of New Jerseyans who are age 65 or older or who have pre-existing medical conditions. The state has also opened an online registration system where eligible residents can sign up to receive a vaccine. 

Now that eligibility has been expanded the state is working hard along with local and county governments and the private sector to build out distribution centers and systems. But in order to fully vaccinate our state we need the federal government to step up and start providing the vaccine supply that was promised to our state, and much more. 

For up to date information regarding new cases and directives regarding coronavirus, visit the state’s dedicated COVID-19 Information Hub or follow Governor Murphy’s official pages on social media. 

Twitter: @GovMurphy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governorphilmurphy/

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will officially take office this Wednesday, finally marking the end of the Trump presidency and the return of honest, competent and compassionate leadership to the White House. Before they even take office, this new administration is already working to step in where the Trump administration failed and provide both direct relief to people, small businesses, states and local governments and many others with a new Rescue Plan. As Governor Murphy said: 

“President-elect Biden continues to show he understands that this moment calls us to bold leadership. Getting ourselves in front of this pandemic – and staying there – cannot be done piecemeal and it cannot be done through austerity. It requires bold and equitable investment in our people, in our states, and in our common future.”

Perhaps most crucially, the Biden plan includes a massive increase in funding for vaccine distribution as well as the kinds of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 that could allow more schools and businesses to safely reopen. We could not be more excited for the beginning of a new day in America this week and for the help we so desperately need to be coming soon. 

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie

P.S. -- This Dr. Martin Luther King Day, please join the NJDSC and NJ Biden-Harris Inaugural Committee in celebrating the National Day of Service. You can donate to your local food bank, join us at 6:30 p.m. for a letter writing power hour, or volunteer in your community. Use #NJServes2021 to participate!