On Wednesday, NJDSC celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion on reproductive and maternal health hosted by our Women’s Caucus and moderated by Chair A’Dorian Murray-Thomas & Southern Regional Vice-Chair Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick.

The panelists included: Casey Haddox (Director of Advocacy, Hoboken Strategy Group & NJDSC Vice-Chair Jewish Caucus), Zoe Heath (Founder and Executive Director of Sussex County Pride), Jacqueline L. Jones (Director of Human Resources, County of Essex), Dr. Mihika Nepal (US-IMG & ECFMG-Certified 2023 Psychiatry Residency Applicant from Nepal), and Ameerah McCoy, LSW (Director of Constituent Services to Assemblyman Gary Schaer & NJYD Women’s Caucus Co-Chair).

I was grateful to be in the audience and have the opportunity to listen and learn from an incredible group of women leaders from across our state who are bringing more women to the table and advocating for women’s priorities. I left the evening feeling empowered, and while there is still a long way to go until there is true equity in our society, I am deeply inspired by the women leading the charge for change and look forward to working with them to create a safer and more equitable place for all.

Throughout the month of March, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee will celebrate Women’s History Month with a weekly spotlight of trailblazing women leaders throughout the state. This week we are proud to shine a spotlight on NJDSC’s Progressive Caucus Co-Chair, Joan Farkas.

Joan Farkas has had a 25-year career in the affordable housing sector. She is a powerful advocate for housing as a human right while housing the homeless, those with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Additionally, she is an EPA brownfields consultant helping environmentally impacted communities receive funds for testing and redevelopment helping to provide environmental justice to impoverished neighborhoods.

In addition to her work with the NJDSC Progressive Caucus, Joan has held leadership positions with her municipal Democratic Committee, the Monmouth County Democratic Progressive Caucus and other Progressive groups such as Our Revolution – Monmouth and NJ. She is committed to promoting candidates and legislation that positively impacts those usually left on the political sidelines through her work with the NJ Democratic State Caucuses and Coalition Partners.

On Thursday President Biden released his budget plan for the 2024 fiscal year that lowers costs for families, gives Americans more financial breathing room, cuts the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over 10 years, expands access to affordable rent and home ownership, lowers energy costs while still combating climate change, and advances economic growth and equity. Annual inflation today is lower than it was seven months ago, gas prices are down $1.60 since their peak last summer, unemployment remains at its lowest level in 54 years while historic investments have been made to support underserved communities and combat racial disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity.

While Democrats are focusing on fiscal policies,Congressional Republicans have proposed taking action that would raise costs for working and middle class families while showering benefits on the wealthy and big corporations. Some Republicans have proposed repealing the Inflation Reduction Act and others have threatened cuts to Medicare, Social Security, and other critical programs that the American people count on to live.

Democrats  will always reject any attempts to take away people’s health care; raise costs for seniors, middle-class families, and students; increase poverty; or reverse our economic progress. This is why it is critical for us all to do our part and continue to elect leaders who will defend our rights and financial stability over corporate profit.