Team -- primary elections have already taken place in Texas last month, and next month, a dozen more states will hold their primaries. In the minds of many people, the 2022 election cycle is about to begin.
But we all know that the cycle really began way back in November 2020. Thanks to the efforts of so many of you, we have been able to build on our past success and move the party -- and the country -- forward.
Together, we have shown what it means to be a Democrat every day, all year. Our values have been front and center whether we were advocating for change or serving others in the community. For the past year and a half, Democrats have gotten to work, and we’ve gotten results. And while I know we all have our eyes on the Election Day prize, this month might be a good moment to pause and reflect on what we’ve done so far.
One year after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the results speak for themselves: More than 218 million Americans are fully vaccinated. 2021 was a record year for job growth, and our country saw a historic economic recovery. Schools were able to safely reopen. Health care premiums are lower for millions.
We did all that without a single Republican vote. Meanwhile, Republicans across the country happily accept ARP funds and tout programs funded by the ARP. They want the credit, but they don’t want to do the work.
And as the world stands together with Ukraine, let’s not forget that the majority of Senate Republicans voted against $13.6 billion in aid. That has nothing to do with right and left. That is simply about right and wrong.
Thank you for always standing up for what is right in your community, your country, and around the world. You are showing what leadership truly means.
As the election cycle begins to pick up, I’m grateful that you are in this fight with us. Together, we will make sure every voice is heard and that America continues pushing forward to that more perfect union.
Jaime
Jaime Harrison
Chair
Democratic National Committee
SCOTUS Appointment
Congratulations to The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson! Democrats continue to deliver results, and the Biden-Harris administration continues to make history. Senator Cory Booker said it best during the hearings: This “is a sign that we as a country are continuing to rise to our collective cherished ideals.”
Affordable Care Act Expansion
President Obama returned to the White House for the first time since leaving office to celebrate the Affordable Care Act. He spoke at an event marking the ACA’s 12th anniversary, and President Biden signed an executive order to expand affordable health coverage and proposed a rule to help close the “family glitch”, which would mean family members of workers who are offered affordable self-only coverage but unaffordable family coverage may qualify for premium tax credits to buy ACA coverage. President Biden and Vice President Harris promised to protect and build on the ACA, lowering costs and expanding coverage so that every American has the peace of mind that health insurance brings -- and they’re doing just that.
On the Ground
The Alaska Democratic Party is preparing for the special election to replace Rep. Don Young by ramping up its voter education program about changes to the state’s voting system. The top four candidates will advance to the general election, and the general election will be a ranked-choice format.
The Idaho Democratic Party and Democratic Party of New Mexico hosted several trainings as part of the Women for the Win program. The trainings featured several speakers including the new Idaho Dems Chair and State Rep. Lauren Necochea, and New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Over three weeks, both states combined for more than 350 sign-ups. The state parties will now be sending these volunteers into the field over the summer and fall to host local events and contact voters.
The Maryland Democratic Party hosted several events during the month of March including a Labor Round Table where they heard from labor leaders and hosted a Women’s History Month Event honoring former State Treasurer Nancy Kopp. The Maryland Dems also continued their Burgers and Brews forum series, bringing their gubernatorial primary field to different locales around the state.
The North Carolina Democratic Party launched a rural tour focused on every corner of the state. They did six stops over two days before splitting their political and coalitions staff off into the eastern and western parts of the state where State Party Chair Bobbie Richardson continued to make appearances.
Democrats Care
The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party hosted a successful statewide service day at the end of February. Rep. Angie Craig joined a group of Democrats who gathered to make cards for seniors in local nursing homes. Others collected donations for the food pantries at the three colleges in Moorhead: Concordia, MSUM, and MN State. DFLers formed a team that raised more than $1,300 for Pedal Past Poverty, a stationary bike race that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness and temporary housing crises.
At the DNC Winter Meeting, members completed a service project for the District Alliance for Safe Housing. DASH is DC’s largest provider of safe housing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As part of women’s history month, we packaged 300 toiletry kits for women and children as well as wrote cards to accompany grocery store gift cards for those taking advantage of DASH’s services. Most recently, DASH has focused on addressing food insecurity brought about by domestic violence and COVID-19.
We’re going global! Democrats Abroad is hosting a Dems Care Global campaign for Earth Day, between April 22 and 24. Country Committees and Chapters will have the opportunity to plan local events that make sense for their communities that are focused on environmental protection. So far, participation is expected from chapters in Canada, South America, Europe, and Africa.
Welcome to the Party
Hear more about the biggest issues facing America today from the people who are fighting to address them.
Episode 17: Governor Kathy Hochul & Organizing Year Round
Episode 16: Winning In The South & DEI At The DNC
Episode 15: Eric Swalwell & Standing Up For Our Accomplishments
Episode 14: Austan Goolsbee & How Democrats Saved The Economy
Episode 13: Cecile Richards & Winning With Women
Episode 12: Hakeem Jeffries & The Democratic Caucus' Successes
Episode 13: Amanda Litman, Ray Buckley, & Winning Local Races
Episode 12: Hala Ayala, Sheila Oliver & The November 2nd Elections
Episode 11: Eric Holder & Fighting For Fair Redistricting
Episode 10: Tammy Duckworth & Investing In American Families
Episode 9: Sean Patrick Maloney & Building A Bridge To The Future
Episode 8: Chuck Schumer & A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Senate
Episode 7: Jim Clyburn & Making A Difference
Episode 6: Alex Padilla & The California Recall Election
Episode 5: Elizabeth Warren & People-First Policy
Episode 4: Keisha Lance Bottoms & How Georgia Voters Made History
Episode 3: Cory Booker & The Call To Service
Episode 2: Julián Castro & The Fight To Protect Voting Rights
Episode 1: Beto O'Rourke & The Fight To Protect Voting Rights
