This past week I was thrilled to attend the Washington DC swearing in of New Jersey’s newest member of Congress, LaMonica McIver. She is the first Black woman to represent Congressional District 10 and only the second Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress. I look forward to all the incredible things Congresswoman McIver will accomplish. She has listed gun control, environmental racism, and universal health care as her policy priorities. And I know that Rep. McIver will honor the late Congressman Payne’s legacy and commitment to public service

As we come into the month of October, there are countless opportunities for you to get involved. Election timelines are different now and GOTV began last week when vote by mail ballots were mailed out. And early voting begins on Saturday, October 26th through Sunday, November 3rd. There are countless volunteer opportunities throughout the state and the NJDSC offers both in person and virtual volunteer opportunities 4 days a week, you can find them here.

This week the Murphy Administration released three reports evaluating the quality and affordability of healthcare in New Jersey. These reports highlight the ongoing challenge of health care affordability for residents and are intended to guide innovative solutions to address high costs. This release follows new legislation aimed at protecting consumers from harmful medical debt and builds on Governor Murphy’s efforts to enhance health care access, including increased enrollment in affordable coverage through Get Covered New Jersey, improved Medicaid benefits, a legislative package focused on prescription drug affordability, and additional assistance for low-income seniors. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief and establish a foundation for expanding access to affordable health care.

“We’ve taken critical steps toward addressing the rising cost of healthcare in New Jersey, but these reports underscore the urgency to continue our progress in making high-quality health care more affordable for all,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “It’s time to ramp up our work to transform our healthcare system so that it delivers the best care possible at a price that every New Jerseyan can afford.”

In celebration of Climate Week, President Biden has been highlighting his administration’s groundbreaking climate and environmental agenda, including the largest investment in climate action in history, the protection of over 42 million acres of public lands and waters, and the creation of well-paying clean energy jobs. He also established the Justice40 Initiative, aiming for 40% of certain federal investment benefits to reach disadvantaged communities facing pollution and underinvestment.

In line with this commitment, Biden launched the American Climate Corps (ACC) to engage young people in clean energy and climate resilience jobs, with a target of employing 20,000 individuals in its first year. As part of Climate Week, the White House announced that over 15,000 young Americans have already been placed in quality workforce training and service opportunities through the ACC, putting the program on track to meet its goal ahead of schedule.

“When Kamala and I took office, we inherited the climate in crisis, one threat every nation faces. There was no plan in place – so we got to work. And today, one $369 billion investment in climate later, we’re ready to lead the world into the clean energy future” said President Joe Biden.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Join us this Tuesday, October 1st, to kick off the month with our first phone banking session focused on North Carolina! Sign up here, see you at 7:00PM.

Then right after, join us for our virtual Vice President Debate Watch Party at 8:45PM via Zoom – sign up here!