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Democrat,
I am pleased to be able to start the newsletter off this week with some positive news on two fronts:
The Respect for Marriage Act passed the House on Thursday and will be sent to President Biden, who has already affirmed he will immediately sign it into law.. The law will grant federal protection to marriage equality and ensure a measure of peace to our LGBTQ+ community in light of the Supreme Court’s far right turn.
Additionally, on Tuesday, Senator Raphael Warnock successfully defended his Senate seat in the Georgia runoff election - ensuring a full six year term for the Reverend. This victory gives Democrats 51 seats in the Senate and gives the opportunity to create meaningful change and pass legislation that makes our country more affordable, accessible, and fair for everyone. Importantly, the Democrats defended all the seats up for election in the Senate, a feat that had not occurred in at least a century. Congratulations to Senator Warnock, his team, and everyone who volunteered their time or resources to help make this win possible.
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Governor Murphy announced $8 million in funding this week towards building an inclusive green economy here in New Jersey that prioritizes equity and environmental justice. $5 million of those funds will come from a collaboration between the Office of Climate Action and Green Economy [[link removed]'s%20Office%20of%20Climate,to%20environmental%20justice%20and%20equity.] and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection [[link removed]] ; $3.725 million will come from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s [[link removed]] Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge, which offers awards that will aid in launching or expanding workforce training and skills programs to strengthen and diversify New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce.
“My administration is proud to provide crucial support for new and existing opportunities in the green jobs sector for all New Jerseyans, including members of overburdened communities who have disproportionately experienced climate impacts,” Governor Murphy said [[link removed]'s%20offshore%20wind%20workforce.] . “These significant funding commitments and interdepartmental synergies testify to our comprehensive, all-of-government approach to positioning New Jersey as a national leader in the green economy. As we work to protect our vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change, we will also ensure that they are equipped with the resources they need to reap the optimal benefits of our state’s transition to a 100% clean energy economy.”
As Democrats continue to move New Jersey forward towards a greener and cleaner future, I am grateful for Governor Murphy’s leadership and action in ensuring that every New Jerseyan has equal access to participating in our economy and the good paying jobs and long term career opportunities that come along with making these necessary changes for the betterment and longevity of our planet.
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On Thursday, President Biden announced WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from Russian detention after long bouts of negotiations and a prisoner swap agreement. Griner was arrested earlier this year, convicted, and sent to a penal colony that is known for its rough and intolerable conditions. Vice President Harris and Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle, were also present when Biden made the announcement and spoke with Griner who was en route back to America. I am thrilled to see Brittney Griner free and coming home to heal and reunite her family.
Our prayers continue to be with Paul Whelan who unfortunately remains detained in Russia. However, we are comforted by President Biden’s commitment to continue to fight for his release as well. “This was not a choice of which American to bring home,” Biden said [[link removed]] . “Sadly, for totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s. And while we have not yet succeeded in securing Paul’s release, we are not giving up. We will never give up.”
— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.
P.S. Our Progressive and Emerging Leaders Caucuses hosted a successful panel with Vote16 NJ this week to learn more about lowering the voting age to 16 in municipal elections. Thank you to all the wonderful panelists and attendees who joined in this important conversation about expanding voting rights. A reminder that if you’re interested in getting involved with one of the Caucuses in our Coalitions program - you can sign up here [[link removed]] !
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