Democrat,

Welcome back to our weekly Chairman’s Update email, where we highlight some of the important work Democrats are doing to deliver for the people of New Jersey. With the holiday season upon us it’s an important time to reflect on the blessings we have and to consider what we can do to continue helping our friends and neighbors. Here in Essex County we just completed our annual Drive-Through Toy Drive, where hundreds of supporters donated toys to local children in need. I know there are many other examples of Democrats helping out in their communities to spread joy and fellowship this holiday season and we will be highlighting other examples in this weekly update. 

With the Omicron variant beginning to spread and holiday gatherings approaching, getting vaccinated has never been more important to keeping New Jersey safe. As he has been since the start of the pandemic, Governor Murphy is providing the steady leadership we need and is now encouraging all residents who have already been vaccinated to receive a booster dose to make sure they continue to be protected. If you have not yet received your booster or need to get your first dose, you can find local vaccination sites and make an appointment here. 

Congressman Josh Gottheimer released his new Affordability Agenda that seeks to address several of the major areas of concern in the nation’s economy while supporting the job and wage growth that are helping working families get ahead. Congressman Gottheimer’s plan would focus on solving the supply chain problems that are leading to higher costs and product availability issues while also continuing his fight to restore the SALT dedication and lower taxes on middle class New Jerseyans. We applaud Congressman Gottheimer and our entire Democratic delegation for standing up for our residents and working to make our state more affordable.  

President Biden’s administration is taking decisive action to lower costs while continuing the country’s strong economic growth, and the results are already starting to show. Gas prices are now falling since the President announced his decision to tap into the nation’s strategic oil reserve to provide relief to drivers at the pump, a welcome sign heading into the holiday season when many people will be traveling to visit family and friends. Meanwhile, weekly unemployment claims just hit a 52-year low as more people are returning to the workforce even while wages are increasing sharply. It all adds up to a recovering economy that has the potential to dramatically improve Americans’ quality of life, which will be even more powerful once the President’s Build Back Better agenda is passed by Congress.  

Thank you,

-- Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.