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Chairman's Update: Two Years Since Dobbs, DNC Convention, Formula Funding Tracker and Lower Health Care Costs

Government and Politics

June 28, 2024


This week commemorated the anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, two years since the Supreme Court stripped away a fundamental constitutional right from Americans. The Dobbs ruling overturned Roe v. Wade and triggered a wave of states enacting abortion bans, endangering women’s lives unnecessarily. Without intervention, we anticipate even stricter restrictions spreading nationwide. New Jersey Democrats, we urge you to not only vote this year but to bring three others with you to the polls. Your vote signifies our collective effort to reclaim women’s autonomy over their bodies.

Today marks 52 days until the 2024 Democratic National Convention! I am proud of the diversity of our delegation and I know that they will represent New Jersey well in Chicago. We look forward to bringing the Garden State to the Windy City!

During Pride Month, we take pride in highlighting our exceptional LGBTQ+ Caucus members from various parts of the Garden State. Their dedication to representation and activism has played a crucial role in advancing progressive reforms.

Mico Lucide is the co-founder and first Executive Director of the Atlantic County Queer Alliance, a LGBTQIA+ organization in South Jersey uniting local queer groups. A lifelong activist, he has fought against anti-LGBTQIA+ policies in high school, championed Gender Inclusive policies in college, and led various LGBTQIA+ organizations and events before taking on his current position. His ultimate goal is to build a unified and supportive queer community in South Jersey.

Governor Murphy’s administration has launched a new interactive website, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Formula Funding Tracker, aimed at transparently monitoring the use of federal funds from the BIL across New Jersey. This platform allows taxpayers to track investments in infrastructure projects statewide, providing details on funding allocations, project progress, and impacts. This initiative, supported by the Biden-Harris Administration, facilitates historic investments in infrastructure, environmental protection, and equity initiatives, with New Jersey being among the first states to implement such a tracking system. The website integrates data from multiple state agencies and will be updated quarterly, highlighting projects aligned with sustainability and equity goals.

It is so important for every day New Jerseyans, taxpayers, to see where their investments are going and its effectiveness. This website is an excellent and easy to use tool to track infrastructure projects. The emphasis on equity, sustainability, and social justice in project selection underscores a commitment to addressing longstanding disparities and advancing inclusive growth throughout the state.

President Biden believes health care is a right, not a privilege. The Biden-Harris Administration has expanded health care access for millions of Americans while cutting costs. Laws such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have strengthened Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, resulting in more Americans gaining health insurance compared to any previous administration. This includes protections against surprise medical bills and excessive fees. Seniors are seeing benefits like reduced prescription drug prices, $35 insulin caps, free vaccines, and a $2,000 limit on out-of-pocket drug expenses starting in 2025.

President Biden continues to push for even lower costs and improved health care for all Americans. The Biden-Harris Administration is actively working to reduce prescription drug prices, keep health insurance premiums affordable, expand health care access—especially for mental health—and safeguard consumers from exploitation.

- Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Whether you’re seeking solace, strength, or solidarity, our Interfaith’s Committee’s virtual prayer series is a beacon of hope and harmony!

Join us on Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:30PM. Sign up here!