Politics - Parties, Candidates
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties - covering the U.S. political arena including state and national political parties.
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North Carolina Democratic Party: WRAL Editorial - 'Moore, Berger Flat-Out Wrong. Compromise, Expand Medicaid Now'
RALEIGH, North Carolina, June 25 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news, dated June 21:
The WRAL editorial board, like the majority of North Carolinians, has had enough of Sen. Phil Berger and Speaker Tim Moore's "cruelty and thoughtlessness" in refusing to compromise with Governor Cooper and expand Medicaid now. As the editorial notes, Republican leadership's four points of objection to Medicaid expansion are "wrong and misleading."
Dan Forest also objects to expansion, and has cited the myth that there is no guarantee of continued federal funding as the basis for his
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, June 25 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news, dated June 21:
The WRAL editorial board, like the majority of North Carolinians, has had enough of Sen. Phil Berger and Speaker Tim Moore's "cruelty and thoughtlessness" in refusing to compromise with Governor Cooper and expand Medicaid now. As the editorial notes, Republican leadership's four points of objection to Medicaid expansion are "wrong and misleading."
Dan Forest also objects to expansion, and has cited the myth that there is no guarantee of continued federal funding as the basis for hisopinion. (By the way, the federal government has never scaled back Medicaid funding before). But here's the reality: Dan Forest opposes expansion yet has no plan to ensure access to healthcare to those the WRAL editorial board correctly describes as "North Carolina citizens most in need but least able to get it."
The real Republican plan is to continue to put their political agenda over the lives of over half a million North Carolinians who stand to benefit from Medicaid expansion. And, if it isn't already, it'll become increasingly clear that the top item on that agenda is tax cuts for big corporations.
KEY POINTS:
* A large majority of North Carolina voters support expanding Medicaid. Remember, Medicaid expansion comes at relatively little cost to the state. Thirty-seven states have done it. Federal taxes collected here are paying for expansion in those states.
* The state's legislative leadership has unilaterally declared as off-the-table, compromise that would include any form of Medicaid expansion. It seems they just want Gov. Roy Cooper to compromise by saying their budget is great.
* There are plenty of good reasons for the governor to veto the budget legislative leaders will shove through the General Assembly. But none surpass failure to expand Medicaid.
* Sen. Phil Berger, Speaker Tim Moore, show some good faith and some concern for ALL North Carolinians. Agree to expand Medicaid now.
Pennsylvania Democratic Party Issues Statement on Special Election in House District 85
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 24 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following statement:
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has nominated Jennifer Rager-Kay as the Democratic Party's candidate for the special election in the 85th House District which will be held on August 20, 2019.
"We are proud to nominate Jennifer Rager-Kay as our candidate for the 85th House District.
"Democrats need to compete everywhere in order to win, and Jennifer is a great candidate to win this seat.
"As an active and involved member of her community, Jennifer knows what kind of representation the people
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 24 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following statement:
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has nominated Jennifer Rager-Kay as the Democratic Party's candidate for the special election in the 85th House District which will be held on August 20, 2019.
"We are proud to nominate Jennifer Rager-Kay as our candidate for the 85th House District.
"Democrats need to compete everywhere in order to win, and Jennifer is a great candidate to win this seat.
"As an active and involved member of her community, Jennifer knows what kind of representation the peopleof Union and Snyder counties need -- representation that works for them, not for special interests."
Biography:
JENNIFER RAGER-KAY
Born and raised in rural Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Jennifer Rager-Kay is the daughter and granddaughter of coal miners, her father is a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and her mother is a second-generation Italian immigrant. She currently treats the Susquehanna Valley community as an ears, nose and throat surgeon at UPMC Sunbury Hospital where she has worked for nearly five years. Dr. Rager-Kay is an active member of her community, serving her church as a certified lay minister and teaching K-5 Sunday School, works with several organizations including Toys for Tots, the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way's Diversity and Inclusion Impact Council, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Marine Corp League Auxiliary, while still managing to find time to train in martial arts.
N.J. Assembly Passes Downey, Benson Bill Aiming to Reduce Drunk Driving Offenses Revamps DUI Penalties, Encourages Use of Interlock Devices
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
* * *
- Bill Also Sets Provisions for Drivers Operating Vehicles under the Influence of a Narcotic, Hallucinogenic, or Habit-Producing Drug
* * *
Revamping New Jersey's driving under the influence (DUI) penalties to deter repeat drunk driving offenses, the Assembly voted 75-2-0 on Thursday to pass bipartisan legislation that will focus state law more heavily on the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as a preventative measure.
The bill (A-2089) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Joann Downey and
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
* * *
- Bill Also Sets Provisions for Drivers Operating Vehicles under the Influence of a Narcotic, Hallucinogenic, or Habit-Producing Drug
* * *
Revamping New Jersey's driving under the influence (DUI) penalties to deter repeat drunk driving offenses, the Assembly voted 75-2-0 on Thursday to pass bipartisan legislation that will focus state law more heavily on the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as a preventative measure.
The bill (A-2089) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Joann Downey andDaniel Benson.
"There is strong evidence that interlock devices are effective in reducing re-arrest rates while they are installed in offenders' vehicles. A more widespread and sustained use of interlocks among people arrested for DUI could have a substantial impact on reducing alcohol-related crashes," said Downey (D-Monmouth). "Traditionally, the penalty for intoxicated driving has been a suspension of the driver's license, but in the absence of a driver's license, the individual may not be able to get to work, or, if their job requires driving, perform their duties. This can lead to the loss of employment, which can in turn lead to emotional consequences such as depression, thereby encouraging more of the substance abuse that led to the penalty in the first place."
The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety has found that IIDs, when combined with a comprehensive monitoring and service program, lead to a 40 to 95 percent reduction in the rate of repeat drunk driving offenses among offenders as long as the IID remains on the vehicle.
State law has required repeat drunk drivers and drunk drivers with a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to install an IID since January 2001, but installation of these devices is not mandatory for other first time offenders.
The bill revises penalties for drunk driving offenses - including a separate provision for drugged driving- particularly making changes to use of and applicable time periods covering, driver's license forfeitures and mandatory installations of IIDs on motor vehicles owned or operated by the drivers. It also provides for an offense that involves a "drugged driver" - operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a narcotic, hallucinogen, or habit-producing drug - that the court would order a license forfeiture of not less than seven months or more than one year, with no option to instead operate a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed.
"This bill is an important step in improving safety by updating the definition of impaired driving for the realities of today's opioid crisis and the potential for expansion of marijuana access, whether medicinal or commercial," said Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). "Also, by using alternatives to suspensions, such as interlock devices, we can reduce opportunities for drunk driving by offenders who may be tempted to drive while on suspension."
Under current law, the period of a driver's license suspension for first time drunk driving offenders is based on the offender's BAC and the driver's license suspension for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test is seven months to one year. Also, the installation of an interlock device is discretionary for first time drunk driving offenders whose BAC is under 0.15 percent. First time offenders whose BAC is 0.15 percent or higher and for drivers refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test are required to install a device in the motor vehicle they principally operate.
Current law also provides for a one year driver's license suspension for failing to install an interlock device. The term of the suspension would increase to 18 months under this bill.
After clearing both houses of the Legislature, the bill now goes to the Governor's desk for consideration.
N.J. Assembly Democrats Tucker, Mukherji, Timberlake Bill to Provide In-State Tuition Rates to Certain Veterans Passes Assembly
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
Looking to reduce higher education expenses for veterans, a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra Tucker, Raj Mukherji and Britnee Timberlake to expand eligibility for educational assistance passed the full Assembly Thursday, 76-0-0.
The bill (A-5390) conforms to federal law to broaden the definition of a "covered individual" under the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America's Military (NJTEAM) Act.
If signed into law, in-state tuition rates would apply to veterans living in New Jersey and attending
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
Looking to reduce higher education expenses for veterans, a bill sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra Tucker, Raj Mukherji and Britnee Timberlake to expand eligibility for educational assistance passed the full Assembly Thursday, 76-0-0.
The bill (A-5390) conforms to federal law to broaden the definition of a "covered individual" under the New Jersey Tuition Equality for America's Military (NJTEAM) Act.
If signed into law, in-state tuition rates would apply to veterans living in New Jersey and attendinga public institution of higher education - regardless of their state of residence - if they are entitled to educational assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs' "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program."
Other individuals, such as the veteran's spouse or child, could also be eligible for the in-state tuition rate under this legislation.
"Tuition for higher education continues to be a source of extreme debt for many individuals and their families," said Tucker (D-Essex). "Veterans are no exception. This bill will serve as a tool to make these expenses more manageable."
"By expanding the pool of veterans and their families who can benefit from in-state tuition under the NJTEAM Act, we are thanking our veterans for the tremendous sacrifices that they have made for our nation and our freedom," said Mukherji (D-Hudson), a former sergeant in the U.S. Marines. "Access to higher education can also improve their transition back to civilian life and widens their economic opportunities."
"As the daughter of a retired sergeant who served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, I know first-hand how much our veterans sacrifice each day to protect us all," said Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic). "This bill is yet another way to thank our veterans for their service."
The bill now awaits further consideration by the Senate.
N.J. Assembly Democrats Mosquera, Reynolds-Jackson, Wimberly Bill Creating Interactive Database, Map Illustrating Foreclosures in New Jersey Becomes Law
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
As part of a comprehensive effort to solve New Jersey's residential foreclosure crisis, a bill requiring the Department of Community Affairs to create a database featuring an interactive map that graphically illustrates foreclosed properties in New Jersey was signed into law by the Governor on Monday.
The law (A-5000) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), and Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) who released the following
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
As part of a comprehensive effort to solve New Jersey's residential foreclosure crisis, a bill requiring the Department of Community Affairs to create a database featuring an interactive map that graphically illustrates foreclosed properties in New Jersey was signed into law by the Governor on Monday.
The law (A-5000) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), and Benjie Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) who released the followingjoint statement:
"The database and map called for in this new law will help us get a better handle on the residential foreclosure crisis in New Jersey by allowing us to literally see, in real time, where these properties are around the state. By featuring property information such as location by county; municipality and block number; owner; and legal judgment information, the database will help court officials, county clerks, registers of deeds and mortgages, and sheriff's officers better view and evaluate foreclosures. Managing this information is critical to dealing with the foreclosure crisis.
"Similarly, the most effective way to obtain a solution for a problem is to have an in-depth understanding of the problem and its various facets. This law moves us towards gaining such an understanding."
N.J Assembly Members McKeon, Vainieri Huttle, Speight Bill to Require Longer Continuation of Health Coverage for Children Approved by Full Assembly
TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
As part of a 12-bill legislative package introduced in the Assembly to safeguard residents from federal changes to the Affordable Care Act, legislation (A-5501) sponsored by Assembly members John McKeon (D-Essex), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and Shanique Speight (D-Essex) to ensure families are able to provide older children healthcare benefits under their health insurance plan cleared the full Assembly Thursday, 72-0.
The sponsors issued a joint statement on the advancement of the bill:
"With
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TRENTON, New Jersey, June 24 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
As part of a 12-bill legislative package introduced in the Assembly to safeguard residents from federal changes to the Affordable Care Act, legislation (A-5501) sponsored by Assembly members John McKeon (D-Essex), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and Shanique Speight (D-Essex) to ensure families are able to provide older children healthcare benefits under their health insurance plan cleared the full Assembly Thursday, 72-0.
The sponsors issued a joint statement on the advancement of the bill:
"Withmany college graduates returning home while they look for jobs, there was a steep rise in residents ages 19 -26 without access to healthcare. For those who did have insurance through their parents, the cost became an additional, unexpected burden on families.
"The Affordable Care Act has significantly helped to reduce the uninsured rate for young adults under the age of 26 by allowing parents to cover them in their own plans without the requirement of a separate premium. Codifying this into New Jersey State law will help families ensure their children, whether they are continuing their education or at home temporarily, are provided for in terms of healthcare."
Currently, New Jersey doesn't have a requirement to include coverage for a child to a certain age. New Jersey law allows a parent covered under a group plan to elect to continue covering a child from the date the child would otherwise age-out until age 31 under certain criteria, but at up to 102% of the child premium rate.
The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
Arizona Democratic Party: McSally Bemoans 'The Swamp.' But She's Part of the Problem in DC
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 24 -- The Arizona Democratic Party issued the following news release:
U.S. Sen. Martha McSally today tweeted a photo of her aerial approach into Washington, D.C., with a presumably-tongue-in-cheek caption: "Back to the Swamp." But the truth is, Martha McSally is a major contributor to Washington's corporate special interest corruption.
Here's a look at a few of Martha McSally's top Swamp Moments:
* Voting -- repeatedly -- to increase health care costs and gut coverage protections for 2.8 million Arizonans with pre-existing conditions -- Everyone remembers McSally's infamous
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 24 -- The Arizona Democratic Party issued the following news release:
U.S. Sen. Martha McSally today tweeted a photo of her aerial approach into Washington, D.C., with a presumably-tongue-in-cheek caption: "Back to the Swamp." But the truth is, Martha McSally is a major contributor to Washington's corporate special interest corruption.
Here's a look at a few of Martha McSally's top Swamp Moments:
* Voting -- repeatedly -- to increase health care costs and gut coverage protections for 2.8 million Arizonans with pre-existing conditions -- Everyone remembers McSally's infamous"Let's get this f*****g thing done" moment as she rallied her colleagues to support the AHCA repeal plan. But McSally has been voting to gut coverage protections and increase health care costs for years, and she's doubling down on those plans ahead of the 2020 election. Today, McSally continues to stand by the GOP suit that aims to fully dismantle federal pre-existing condition coverage protections.
* Championing Republicans' tax-cuts-for-billionaires law that's left working families behind -- McSally called the Republican tax law a "must pass" -- throwing her political weight behind a bill that was then expected to send 83% of its benefits to powerful corporations and the richest 1% of Americans. As implemented, the law has been a giveaway to McSally's big donors and corporate special interest backers -- and even McSally's GOP allies now admit that the law will not "trickle down" or "pay for itself," even as powerful CEOs and corporations pull in record compensation and profits.
* Losing an election, then being handpicked by Mitch McConnell to join the Senate, anyway -- After McSally lost the 2018 Senate election, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell "leverag[ed] his political power" to get McSally appointed to the Senate, where she replaced a then-former, now-current lobbyist. That's as "swampy" as it gets.
* Putting a coal lobbyist in charge of environmental protection -- McSally voted to put coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler in charge of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the agency has been "dangerously off the rails" ever since.
The bottom line: Washington isn't working for Arizonans, and Martha McSally is part of the problem -- making things worse in "the Swamp."
