Democrat,
On Tuesday, Congresswoman-Elect Jennifer McClellan made history as Virginia’s first Black congresswoman. Prior to Tuesday, only 22 states had ever elected a Black woman to Congress, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of historical records. |
“When we come together and we care more about doing the work and solving the problems than the soundbites and the show,” McClellan said, “we can help people. We will make this commonwealth and this country a better place for everyone.”
I also wanted to express my gratitude to Insider NJ for including me in this year’s 2023 African American Power List in Honor of Black History Month. I am humbled to be listed among so many of our state’s incredible Black leaders, including NJDSC Black Caucus Chair, T. Missy Balmir, and Emerging Leaders Caucus Chair, Fatima Heyward. Congratulations to everyone on this list of New Jersey change-makers.
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Governor Murphy announced this week that as of January 31, 2023, a total of 341,901 New Jersey residents signed up for health insurance at Get Covered New Jersey (GetCovered.NJ.gov), the State’s official Health Insurance Marketplace, during the Open Enrollment Period — a nearly 40 percent increase since the Murphy Administration took over operation of the marketplace in 2020 for plan year 2021.
“More New Jerseyans have quality, affordable health coverage through our State’s marketplace than ever before,” said Governor Murphy. “This is a testament to our Administration’s efforts to provide residents with the support they need to access affordable health coverage. The combination of State and federal investments in expanding financial help have resulted in a record-breaking Open Enrollment.”
After taking over the marketplace, the Murphy Administration expanded the Open Enrollment Period to three months, from the six-week window available under the previous federal administration. The Murphy Administration also began offering state subsidies, expanded plan options, and increased investments in outreach and trained experts who provide free, unbiased enrollment assistance to residents in the community. |
Throughout the month of February, we have celebrated Black History Month with a weekly spotlight of Black leaders throughout our state that are continuing to do the work of making New Jersey a more equitable place for ALL. In the final full week of the month, we are proud to be spotlighting our NJDSC Women’s Caucus Chair, A’Dorian Murray-Thomas. |
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas is the Founder & CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and mentoring organization for girls who, like her, lost a loved one to gun violence. Born and raised in the city of Newark, A’Dorian made history when at 23 years old, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Board of Education, representing the largest school district in the state of New Jersey. She was recently re-elected to the Board this past April. In that role, she has authored and advocated for policies and practices that promote culturally relevant curriculum, youth-based decision making, retention and hiring of diverse staff, and investing in student mental health. A’Dorian has been recognized as a President Obama White House Champion of Change, Glamour Magazine “College Woman of the Year”, and NAACP NextGen Leadership Fellow, among other incredible accolades. A’Dorian is a 2016 graduate of Swarthmore College and currently a candidate for a Master of Arts in Religion concentrating in Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, while continuing to Chair and lead the NJDSC Women’s caucus in mobilizing and empowering Democratic women across the state.
Make sure you keep up on what NJDSC’s Women’s Caucus is doing on Facebook and Instagram, and Twitter.
Additionally, if you are interested in getting involved with the Women’s or other caucuses, you can sign up here. |
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President Biden was in Ukraine this week to mark the one-year mark of Russia’s attempt to brutally overthrow the sovereignty of the Ukrainian government.
Over the last year, the United States has provided critical support to the people of Ukraine. President Biden has spoken regularly with President Zelenskyy, hosting him at the White House and visiting Kyiv, sending the world a powerful message of the United States’ unwavering support. The US also stepped up to provide financial and humanitarian assistance, helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty.
The international coalition in support of Ukraine is stronger and more united than ever. And President Biden’s visit to Kyiv this week show, we remain committed to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. — Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.
P.S. Our Black Caucus is hosting an in-person event on February 28th! Black Caucus Chair T. Missy Balmir and Vice-Chair Eash Haughton will be moderating a panel discussion on voting rights with panelists Tim Alexander (civil trial attorney & former congressional district 2 candidate), Reginald Bledsoe (Director of the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs), Athina Fassu (Chair of the Mercer County Young Democrats & Legislative Director to Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo), and Jimmy Small (President of the Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey).
Panel will begin at 6:30 PM followed by a meet and greet - food and beverages will be provided. RSVP here! |
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Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. New Jersey Democratic State Committee
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