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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N.J. Assembly Democrats Speight, Tucker, Pinkin Legislation to Improve Awareness of End-of-Life Care Signed Into Law
TRENTON, New Jersey, Jan. 18 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
With nearly 40 million adults throughout the country having a serious illness within the past three years and nearly 20 million suffering from chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities, Assembly Democrats Shanique Speight, Cleopatra Tucker and Nancy Pinkin have sponsored three bills to improve access to both palliative and end-of-life care in New Jersey. One of those bills was signed into law Monday, while the other two received full legislative approval.
The aim of each bill is to help
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Jan. 18 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
With nearly 40 million adults throughout the country having a serious illness within the past three years and nearly 20 million suffering from chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities, Assembly Democrats Shanique Speight, Cleopatra Tucker and Nancy Pinkin have sponsored three bills to improve access to both palliative and end-of-life care in New Jersey. One of those bills was signed into law Monday, while the other two received full legislative approval.
The aim of each bill is to helpprepare both medical professionals and the general public for the potential need for end-of-life and palliative care. The bill signed into law (A-4682/S-3118) establishes a public awareness campaign to promote early conversations about this subject to help improve decision-making when it comes to the kind of care patients may need during the final stages of their life.
One of the bills that passed the full Assembly and Senate on Monday (A-4683/S-3116) would require hospitals and various long-term care facilities to identify the end-of-life care needs of new patients/residents, provide them and their families with information and train personnel. The stipulations would apply to assisted living facilities and residences, personal care homes, nursing homes and other locations where sick and elderly individuals are supported.
"Many people never learn about or give much thought to the kind of care they will want towards the end of their lives, which may be something that greatly impacts their well-being," said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex). "It's important for patients to have conversations about what they want their final stages of life to look like and for caregivers to be equipped with the knowledge they need to make that happen. These measures will increase awareness and spark more discussions about end-of-life care."
"With the median age of most towns increasing rather than staying the same, our senior population continues to grow," said Assemblywoman Tucker (D-Essex). "We have to consider the needs of our aging population and find a way to provide them with compassionate care wherever they are in their lives. We should be helping them plan ahead to ensure their needs are met in their final years."
Individuals struggling with pain and detrimental symptoms due to medical issues that are not necessarily life threatening would also receive assistance through the second bill that passed the full Assembly and Senate on Monday (A-4685/S-3117). This legislation would require hospital emergency departments to utilize a screening tool to identify patients in need of palliative care and then provide those patients with information on the benefits and applicability of that care.
It would also require hospitals to keep the unique needs of patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities in mind whenever it is determined they may need palliative care.
"Palliative care is about having the ability to experience the best quality of life possible," said Assemblywoman Pinkin (D-Middlesex). "Palliative care plans help people identify who can take care of them when they return home and what resources will be necessary to meet their needs. Educating patients upon their arrival to the emergency room will save time and resources while ensuring that the patient has a voice in the care they receive for their chronic illnesses or end-of-life needs."
The two remaining bills await action by the Governor.
Kelly's Questions: Loeffler Still Not Answering Basic Questions About Her '100%' Support of the GOP's Dangerous Agenda
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 18 -- The Georgia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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- Loeffler silent about the harmful impacts of the Senate GOP's reckless and unpopular agenda on Georgia families
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It's been a rough week two for "political mega-donor" Kelly Loeffler as she continues to march in lock-step with Washington Republicans -- even while her own party's president still won't congratulate her on her Senate appointment.
But even with her second week in the books, Loeffler still won't answer key questions about the GOP's toxic and reckless agenda she supports "100%."
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 18 -- The Georgia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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- Loeffler silent about the harmful impacts of the Senate GOP's reckless and unpopular agenda on Georgia families
* * *
It's been a rough week two for "political mega-donor" Kelly Loeffler as she continues to march in lock-step with Washington Republicans -- even while her own party's president still won't congratulate her on her Senate appointment.
But even with her second week in the books, Loeffler still won't answer key questions about the GOP's toxic and reckless agenda she supports "100%."At the end of this week, here's a reminder of the 5 questions Loeffler still needs to answer about the dangerous agenda she's backing:
* Why does Loeffler support Senate Republicans' efforts to gut coverage protections for over 1.8 million Georgians with pre-existing conditions and does she agree with Senator David Perdue that "of course" she'll stand by Republican's reckless anti-health care lawsuit that would undo federal health care protections and take away coverage for 21 million Americans?
* Will Loeffler continue to stand behind Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell as he blocks bipartisan legislation that would bring down skyrocketing drug costs for Georgia families, even as new reports show pharmaceutical companies are continuing to jack up prices for lifesaving drugs?
* Does Loeffler agree with Senator David Perdue that she would "absolutely not" support greater middle-class tax relief if it meant delaying corporate tax breaks, even though the GOP gave big corporations a deficit-busting $1 trillion tax handout?
* Will Loeffler stand with Perdue and try to put earned benefits programs like Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, after her party voted to add nearly $2 trillion to the national debt in their tax giveaway to giant corporations and ultra-wealthy donors like herself?
* What will Loeffler do to prevent her "minefield" of potential conflicts of interest from affecting her own business interests, especially now that she serves on the Senate committee in charge of overseeing the regulator of her husband's firm?
Loeffler may have thought that blindly pledging "100%" loyalty to a reckless agenda would fix her problems with a GOP base that still remains "skeptical," but Georgia voters deserve to hear from her about the policies she's backing and what they'll mean for everyday Georgians. Senator, what are you waiting for?
"As week two passes, Georgia families still deserve answers from Kelly Loeffler about the toxic agenda she's signed on to," said Alex Floyd, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Georgia. "Georgians need an independent voice as their senator, but instead Kelly Loeffler seems deadset on being a rubber stamp for Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans' dangerous plans. It's past time for her to answer these basic questions about where she stands."
In Week 1 of Session, 'Sharp Divisions' Already Fracturing Georgia Republicans
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 18 -- The Georgia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
It didn't take long for Georgia Republicans to put Georgians aside in favor of partisan bickering over competing extreme agendas. Barely one week into the legislative session, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that "sharp divisions" have already formed over Governor* Brian Kemp's extreme agenda, as Kemp and top Republicans contradict each other at every turn over issues that could have severe and lasting impacts on Georgia families.
While Speaker Ralston called discrimination legislation like
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 18 -- The Georgia Democratic Party issued the following news release:
It didn't take long for Georgia Republicans to put Georgians aside in favor of partisan bickering over competing extreme agendas. Barely one week into the legislative session, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that "sharp divisions" have already formed over Governor* Brian Kemp's extreme agenda, as Kemp and top Republicans contradict each other at every turn over issues that could have severe and lasting impacts on Georgia families.
While Speaker Ralston called discrimination legislation likethe bill Kemp has promised to sign "ill conceived and offensive," Kemp has hedged, saying he'll deal with cultural and social legislation "when the time comes." After Kemp's commitment to his extreme agenda throughout his first year in office, one thing is clear - this won't be the last time he and Ralston disagree.
That isn't the only area Republicans are already fighting over. After Kemp laid out his signature program in the State of the State, Ralston quickly shut it down - saying he was "leery" of the proposal.
"It's ridiculous but not surprising that after more than a decade in the majority, Brian Kemp and Republicans still don't have their act together, at the expense of Georgia families," said Democratic Party of Georgia spokeswoman Maggie Chambers. "At a time when protections for pre-existing conditions are on the chopping block and our rural hospitals are closing, Georgians can't afford for Republican lawmakers to waste taxpayer money with their partisan infighting."
House Completes Bill Filing Process for 2020 Session
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Jan. 18 -- The Oklahoma Democratic Party issued the following news release:
The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday for the second session of the 57th Legislature. A total of 1,361 House Bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions and 4 House Concurrent Resolutions were filed.
The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and coauthors, can be found online at http://www.okhouse.gov.
Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,733 House bills and 21 House Joint Resolutions were filed. For the 2018 session, 1,193 House bills
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Jan. 18 -- The Oklahoma Democratic Party issued the following news release:
The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday for the second session of the 57th Legislature. A total of 1,361 House Bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions and 4 House Concurrent Resolutions were filed.
The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and coauthors, can be found online at http://www.okhouse.gov.
Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,733 House bills and 21 House Joint Resolutions were filed. For the 2018 session, 1,193 House billsand 32 House Joint Resolutions were filed.
The House is comprised of 23 Democrats and 77 Republicans, with one vacant seat. The second session of the 57th Legislature will begin Monday, Feb. 3 at noon with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt in the House Chamber.
Democratic National Committee Chair Perez Issues Joint Statement on President Trump Rollback of Protections for LGBTQ Americans
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following joint statement by Chair Tom Perez with LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes and Interfaith Council Co-Chair Sarah Levin in response to President Trump's effort to undermine equal rights and endorse the discrimination of LGBTQ Americans:
"It is insulting and dangerous to conflate religious freedom with federally-funded discrimination against LGBTQ people.
"The Trump administration's latest effort to roll back antidiscrimination protections in access to federal funding risks taking vital health, housing, and education services
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following joint statement by Chair Tom Perez with LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes and Interfaith Council Co-Chair Sarah Levin in response to President Trump's effort to undermine equal rights and endorse the discrimination of LGBTQ Americans:
"It is insulting and dangerous to conflate religious freedom with federally-funded discrimination against LGBTQ people.
"The Trump administration's latest effort to roll back antidiscrimination protections in access to federal funding risks taking vital health, housing, and education servicesaway from Americans just because of who they are. Under President Obama, we protected civil rights for groups that have faced historical discrimination, including the LGBTQ community.
"The Trump administration has gone in the opposite direction -- endorsing discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, single mothers, and religious minorities, and putting their safety at risk.
"It is long past time for Trump and Republicans to stop using 'religious freedom' as a license to discriminate.
"Democrats support freedom of faith. We believe no one should face discrimination because of who they are, what they believe, or who they love, and we will keep fighting for the full equality every person deserves."
Congressional Black Caucus Adopts 21st Century Infrastructure Principles for the 116th Congress
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Congressional Black Caucus issued the following news release:
This week the Congressional Black Caucus officially adopted the principles of the CBC Infrastructure Task Force, which is Chaired by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. The Congressional Black Caucus has developed these infrastructure principles to help guide this Congress on building a stronger, more effective nation that works for every American--not just a select few. The 7 principles are as follows:
Redefining Infrastructure.
Providing Robust, Long-Term Federal Funding.
Connecting People with Opportunity.
Promoting
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Congressional Black Caucus issued the following news release:
This week the Congressional Black Caucus officially adopted the principles of the CBC Infrastructure Task Force, which is Chaired by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. The Congressional Black Caucus has developed these infrastructure principles to help guide this Congress on building a stronger, more effective nation that works for every American--not just a select few. The 7 principles are as follows:
Redefining Infrastructure.
Providing Robust, Long-Term Federal Funding.
Connecting People with Opportunity.
PromotingInclusion in Infrastructure Building.
Building for Sustainability and Resilience.
Planning Multi-modal Transportation Networks.
Future-Proofing for All.
"The Congressional Black Caucus has been the conscience of Congress since its inception. Our collective voices over the past 48 years have helped pass key legislation to improve the communities and livelihood of African Americans and other marginalized people in the United States and around the world. The adoption of the 21st Century Infrastructure Principles is another example of the CBC's commitment to building equitable communities for all," said Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Karen Bass.
"Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges: it includes water, sewage, broadband deployment, and many more building blocks that affect the day to day livelihood of people that many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus represent," said Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. "The principles that we released today reflect our constituents' priorities for what should be included in any infrastructure bill that comes to the Floor of the House. I look forward to working with the relevant committee chairs to ensure that these principles are reflected in our infrastructure legislation."
"Building our Nation's 21st Century Infrastructure presents a unique opportunity for us to create a more inclusive technical workforce," said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. "The high skilled jobs of the future can be accessed by our communities by providing support for technical training and learning practical skills we can use on the job. A skilled technical workforce that reflects the diversity of our Nation is critical to our continued grown and advancement. In my role as a senior member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to fight to ensure our voice is heard and included in any infrastructure legislation."
"Any infrastructure plan for the nation must reflect the principles of the Congressional Black Caucus. For too long, our constituents have disproportionately borne the adverse consequences of ill-conceived and dilapidated infrastructures and transportation systems," said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson. "This Congress has an opportunity to make critically needed investments and address ongoing inequities and the growing detrimental effects of climate change. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will champion these principles and fight to ensure that our communities are not left behind during the legislative process. I commend Majority Whip Clyburn for his outstanding leadership and hard work."
"As our country continues to grow, the need to focus on robust investment in infrastructure cannot be understated," said Rep. Brenda L. Lawrence."Our country is in dire need of across-the-board infrastructure investment. These guiding principles demonstrate that we must have an open mind and ensure that access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water, as well as investment in removing dangerous toxins from our communities, are part of a larger conversation regarding infrastructure legislation."
"Upgrading our infrastructure offers a real opportunity to invest in things that affect every person across this country, whether it is the public transit system in their city, the roads they drive on, or the pipes that deliver their drinking water," said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. It is imperative that we develop climate-smart and resilient infrastructure, increase broadband access, ensure every family has access to clean drinking water, and build a nation that works for every person and every community. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the CBC, on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and on the other relevant committees to ensure that these principles are incorporated into any infrastructure package."
"Building 21st century infrastructure will require long-term federal investment, fresh ideas and a commitment to transparency,"said Congressman Anthony Brown. "When we embrace bold thinking and innovative solutions we empower our communities, reduce traffic and generate durable economic growth. It's time we build our nation's infrastructure to work for everyone."
"Human capital is integral to the nation's 21st century infrastructure. Investing in evidenced-based education and skills development initiatives for the American public, including youth, is essential to building an economy that works for everyone," said Congressman Steven Horsford. Beyond an investment in physical infrastructure, we must also invest in social determinants of health solutions that mitigate inequalities that continue to persist in underserved urban and rural communities," added Horsford.
"Building sustainable and resilient connectivity in our nation is more important now than ever," said Congressman Hank Johnson. "In the midst of accelerating climate change, and less reliable infrastructure, this Congress must set its sights on developing, and passing, a comprehensive infrastructure package that is innovative, safe, and equitable. The strength of our communities, our economy, and our nation depends on it."
Click HERE (https://cbc.house.gov/UploadedFiles/CBC_21st_Century_Infrastructure_Principles_for_116th_Congress_-_as_adopted.pdf) for a fact sheet with more information about the CBC Infrastructure Task Force principles.
'Voters Continued to Sour' on Republican Incumbents - Top Five Most Vulnerable Now Underwater
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following news release:
The latest round of Morning Consult polling shows that vulnerable Republican Senators have continued to lose support from "voters of all political stripes." Here are the highlights of Senate Republicans' increasingly precarious position heading into the 2020 election:
* The top five vulnerable incumbents - Senators Collins, Gardner, Ernst, McSally, and Tillis - are underwater and four of them rank among the most unpopular Senators in the country
* Susan Collins is now the most unpopular Senator
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following news release:
The latest round of Morning Consult polling shows that vulnerable Republican Senators have continued to lose support from "voters of all political stripes." Here are the highlights of Senate Republicans' increasingly precarious position heading into the 2020 election:
* The top five vulnerable incumbents - Senators Collins, Gardner, Ernst, McSally, and Tillis - are underwater and four of them rank among the most unpopular Senators in the country
* Susan Collins is now the most unpopular Senatorin the country and her net approval has plummeted 23 points in a single year
* Senator Thom Tillis sunk more than $700,000 into paid advertising but is still underwater
* Unelected Senator Martha McSally is "taking heat from all sides" and saw her net approval fall 5 points
