While state Republicans sit on their hands and stay silent as Trump steals opportunities and economic security from working-class families, state Democrats are pushing back
WASHINGTON— As legislative sessions come to a close in the nation’s state capitals, it’s clear that state Democrats are the only leaders focused on fighting for working families. While GOP power in Washington makes reckless cuts that endanger Americans’ basic needs and push the country to the brink of a recession, state Democrats have been leading with their values and fighting on behalf of working families.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams released the following statement:
“It’s clear from recent legislative sessions that state Republicans are more than happy to put their blind loyalty to Trump’s extremism before their own communities. While state Democrats have been focused on pushing legislation that will lower costs, increase economic opportunities, and make our communities safer, Republicans have stayed silent as Trump upends our economy, drives up costs, and eliminates jobs. Working class Americans deserve better, and the DLCC is proud to stand with the Democratic state legislators who continue to fight and lead for their communities.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
“Building Democratic power starts in the states and state Democratic leaders across the country have stepped up and fought back against the worst of Trump and Republicans’ extremism. Whereas Washington Republicans spend their days ripping away healthcare and food access from millions of people, state Democrats are working for the people – lowering costs, protecting our freedoms, and bettering our communities. Democrats are committed to winning up and down the ballot and making a real impact on Americans’ lives at every level of government.”
Here are just some of the recent examples of how state Democrats have been working to improve working families’ lives:
Democrats in Wisconsin are pushing to raise the minimum wage, provide free school meals and lower housing costs.
Pennsylvania House Democrats have been working to codify parts of the Affordable Care Act to protect everyday Americans from the Trump administration’s attacks on health care.
Nevada Democrats are fighting for free school meals, rental assistance for people facing an emergency, and programs to support students entering the workforce.
Teachers in New Mexico are getting a $5,000 raise.
Democratic leadership in New York cut taxes for 80% of New Yorkers, while families will benefit from the largest-ever expansion of the child tax credit and free school meals for all children.
Maryland will protect federal workers who lost their jobs because of Trump.
Colorado Democrats passed a slate of legislation to increase economic opportunities: cracking down on wage theft, banning grocery price gouging, lowering rent costs, spurring the construction of affordable new housing, and reducing the cost of maternity care, prenatal care, and breast cancer screenings.
Democrats in Oregon fortified the state’s Medicaid program from federal cuts to protect 1.4 million Oregonians on the state’s health plan.
Washington Democrats passed legislation to pay striking workers and Oregon Democrats are pushing to do the same.
Alaska Democrats are strengthening the state’s public pension program.
Maine Democrats are bringing down the cost of attaining higher education.
Virginia Democrats passed a budget including bonuses for teachers and tax rebates of up to $400.
