Democrat,

In response to the most recent outrageous comments made by Donald Trump attacking our immigrant communities, the NJDSC Latino Caucus Vice-Chair, Laura Bustamante released the following statement this week, which you can read in full here:

“The NJDSC Latino Caucus vehemently condemns the most recent disparaging comments made by Donald Trump about immigrant communities in the United StatesThe claim that immigrants are ‘poisoning the blood of our country’ is deeply offensive and dangerous. Throughout history, immigrants have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural, economic, and social landscape of the country. Their resilience, innovation, and contributions have been the bedrock upon which America has thrived.

Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric serves only to undermine the fundamental values of unity and inclusivity that are the essence of our nation. Our nation’s strength lies in unity and collaboration, where diverse voices and backgrounds come together to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Instead of fostering division, we must recognize the invaluable contributions immigrants make to our society and work together to create an inclusive and equitable future for all.”

New Jersey Democrats will always stand with our immigrant communities, and I thank Lauren for raising her voice on this critical issue.

I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday break surrounded by the love and light of family, friends, and loved ones. May this season be a time of rest, reflection, and renewed hope for the future. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the year. Let's cherish this time together and embrace the warmth of the holidays as we look forward to a promising New Year ahead.

Newark is making headlines with groundbreaking initiatives to combat chronic homelessness. The city's innovative approach, highlighted in The Economist, reflects a beacon of hope for sustainable solutions. By embracing a holistic strategy, Newark is not merely alleviating homelessness but reshaping the narrative around how we can address this issue more fully.

The Path Home: Collaborating Across Our Community is the plan to end chronic homelessness in the City of Newark. This comprehensive data-driven plan developed by more than 100 partners and aims to end chronic homelessness in Newark over the next three years. It seeks to establish a cooperative structure to address the multiple needs of residents without addresses such as temporary and permanent housing, employment, medical and behavioral health care, and support services.

This isn't just Newark's journey; it's a call for collective action. Together, we can create lasting solutions that ensure every individual in our state has a place to call home. In November New Jersey’s Office of Homelessness Prevention released its own figures. They showed unsheltered homeless falling across the state by 23% year on year. That reduction marks significant progress, reflecting the joint efforts of local authorities, community organizations, and individuals dedicated to addressing homelessness. These statistics offer encouragement, underscoring the impact of coordinated initiatives and emphasizing the importance of continued dedication to this cause. Every person deserves the stability and dignity of a secure place to live, and our collective commitment can make that a reality for everyone in New Jersey.

It’s time for another New Member Spotlight! This week, we’re excited to welcome our new electeds from District 11, Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul! We’re also thrilled to be welcoming new members for Districts 14, 30, and 16! Congrats to Tennille McCoy, Avi Schnall, and Mitchelle Drulis on being elected to represent your respective districts.

We’re excited to have you all on board in January!

President Biden issued a Proclamation granting pardons for convictions of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana. We know that convictions for simple possession of marijuana have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities that have disproportionately affected people of color within our communities.

“America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law — our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That’s why I’m announcing additional steps to make the promise of equal justice a reality,” said President Biden.

This Proclamation granting pardons for offenses related to marijuana possession reflects a profound understanding of the systemic barriers plaguing our communities. By acknowledging the disproportionate impact on individuals, particularly people of color, he's championing a more fair and equal criminal justice system for all. This decisive action marks a pivotal step toward a more just and compassionate future, ensuring that past injustices do not dictate one's prospects but instead pave the way for a more equitable tomorrow.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

P.S. Last weekend, our Jewish Caucus and Interfaith Committee hosted a Hanukkah party to celebrate the season! With a packed house, we're proud to have had folks from different cultures and faiths celebrating.