One of the greatest challenges we face is how to repair, rebuild and revitalize our environment.

For decades, we've neglected our planet, relying on fossil fuels imported from foreign countries, developing land at a rapid rate, and destroying our ecosystems with pollutants and unsustainable practices.

But under President Obama's leadership, we're making progress.  Instead of ignoring our problems, this administration has tackled  environmental issues with comprehensive, meaningful reforms — the likes of which we haven't seen in decades.

In honor of Earth Day, we wanted to share a few of the many ways President Obama is working to create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for our kids.

1. Established the first-ever national limits for mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants.
2. Invested in clean, homegrown energy production. In fact, with President Obama's proposed clean energy standards, by 2035, 80% of the electricity we use will come from clean energy.
3. Upgraded fuel economy energy standards for the first time in nearly three decades — nearly doubling the fuel efficiency of cars. This change will save consumers an average of $8,200 on the life of a vehicle.
4. Partnered with states to restore ecosystems across our country. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Everglades, President Obama's administration has been working to restore these critical resources — resources that create jobs and strengthen local economies.
5. Preserved more than 2 million acres of federal land and protected over 1,000 miles of rivers.

While the challenges are great, thanks to President Obama's strong leadership, we're moving forward.

To learn more about President Obama's environmental policies, click here.

Happy Earth Day!

In response to Senate Republicans vote to stop common-sense reforms to prevent gun violence, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent the following email:

Friend --

Yesterday, a minority in the Senate blocked an amendment to expand background checks on gun sales.

As the President said, it was a shameful day for Washington.

Ninety percent of Americans support background checks -- including a majority of gun owners -- but 90 percent of Republicans in the Senate caved to the NRA's lobbying machine and blocked the vote.

Tell the Senate to vote for the families of Newtown, not for the NRA's lobbyists. Add your name now.

The gun lobby and its allies willfully lied about the proposed legislation, and yesterday they were able to defeat it.

But we are not backing down. Round one just ended. Round two starts now.

Help Democrats collect 200,000 signatures demanding action on background checks. Add your name now:

http://my.democrats.org/Reduce-Gun-Violence

Volunteers will deliver your signatures to the Capitol, so lawmakers know that the American people haven't given up.

Thanks for your dedication,

 

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Washington, D.C. – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement after Senate Republicans successfully blocked the Manchin-Toomey legislation to expand gun background checks:

''The failed vote today was inexcusable and Washington at its worse. Though 90 percent of the American people support expanding background checks for gun purchases, the U.S. Senate, led by the feckless Republican leadership, chose to ignore the will of the American people - blocking the common sense Manchin-Toomey legislation and not even affording the victims of gun violence and their families an up or down vote on the measure. Twenty children and six adults were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, and thousands more by gun violence since then, and the Republican approach to dealing with the issue is to do absolutely nothing.

''This is shameful. But it’s not the end. If Republicans believe they can slide this issue under the rug because they caved to the pressure from the gun lobby, they are sadly mistaken. This issue is not going away. The American people simply won’t allow it. President Obama has made it clear that after witnessing far too many tragedies, we have an obligation to try to do something. Republicans, however, seem to believe their only obligation is to obstruct the will of the American people and stand up for a small portion of the country. That’s not what the American people want – and Republicans will have to confront this issue again and again. And if they continue to stand in the way of these common sense reforms, they’ll pay the price with voters''

Washington, D.C. – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement after Senate Republicans successfully blocked the Manchin-Toomey legislation to expand gun background checks:

''The failed vote today was inexcusable and Washington at its worst. Though 90 percent of the American people support expanding background checks for gun purchases, the U.S. Senate, led by the feckless Republican leadership, chose to ignore the will of the American people - blocking the common sense Manchin-Toomey legislation and not even affording the victims of gun violence and their families an up or down vote on the measure. Twenty children and six adults were killed in Newtown, Connecticut, and thousands more by gun violence since then, and the Republican approach to dealing with the issue is to do absolutely nothing.

''This is shameful. But it’s not the end. If Republicans believe they can slide this issue under the rug because they caved to the pressure from the gun lobby, they are sadly mistaken. This issue is not going away. The American people simply won’t allow it. President Obama has made it clear that after witnessing far too many tragedies, we have an obligation to try to do something. Republicans, however, seem to believe their only obligation is to obstruct the will of the American people and stand up for a small portion of the country. That’s not what the American people want – and Republicans will have to confront this issue again and again. And if they continue to stand in the way of these common sense reforms, they’ll pay the price with voters''

The DNC sent the emails below to constituents of Senators McConnell and Coats, as well as Senators McCain, Collins, Heller, and Isakson, asking them to call their senator and demand an up-or-down vote on common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence.

Friend --

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is denying the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence a simple vote on legislation that would reduce these types of crimes.

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators, including Sen. McConnell, are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if Sen. McConnell, the leader of the Republican caucus, hears the demands of Americans calling to end the filibuster and allow a vote on these critical reforms.

It's up to you. Call Sen. McConnell at (202) 224-2541, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME. I am ashamed that a member of the Senate leadership is filibustering a vote on legislation that would reduce gun violence. I call on Senator McConnell to end the filibuster and allow a vote on this important legislation.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Coats:

Friend --

Your senator, Dan Coats, is denying the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence a simple vote on legislation that would reduce these types of crimes.

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators, including Sen. Coats, are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if Sen. Coats hears the demands of Hoosiers calling to end the filibuster and allow an up-or-down vote on these critical reforms.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Coats at (202) 224-5623, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Sen. Coats to end his filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator McCain:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, John McCain, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. McCain at (202) 224-2235, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator McCain to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Collins:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Susan Collins, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Collins at (202) 224-2523, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Collins to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Heller:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Dean Heller, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Heller at (202) 224-6244, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Heller to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Isakson:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Johnny Isakson, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Isakson at (202) 224-3643, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Isakson to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

 

 

 

The DNC sent the emails below to constituents of Senators McConnell and Coats, as well as Senators McCain, Collins, Heller, and Isakson, asking them to call their senator and demand an up-or-down vote on common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence.

Friend --

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is denying the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence a simple vote on legislation that would reduce these types of crimes.

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators, including Sen. McConnell, are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if Sen. McConnell, the leader of the Republican caucus, hears the demands of Americans calling to end the filibuster and allow a vote on these critical reforms.

It's up to you. Call Sen. McConnell at (202) 224-2541, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME. I am ashamed that a member of the Senate leadership is filibustering a vote on legislation that would reduce gun violence. I call on Senator McConnell to end the filibuster and allow a vote on this important legislation.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Coats:

Friend --

Your senator, Dan Coats, is denying the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence a simple vote on legislation that would reduce these types of crimes.

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators, including Sen. Coats, are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if Sen. Coats hears the demands of Hoosiers calling to end the filibuster and allow an up-or-down vote on these critical reforms.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Coats at (202) 224-5623, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Sen. Coats to end his filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator McCain:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, John McCain, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. McCain at (202) 224-2235, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator McCain to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Collins:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Susan Collins, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Collins at (202) 224-2523, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Collins to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Heller:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Dean Heller, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Heller at (202) 224-6244, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Heller to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

To constituents of Senator Isakson:

Friend --

When President Obama said in his State of the Union address that the victims and survivors of gun violence deserve a vote, nearly every member of Congress stood up and applauded.

But now, 14 Republican senators are using political stunts to prevent a vote on any reforms to reduce gun violence -- including background checks supported by 90 percent of Americans.

Think about that. They're not just saying they'll vote "no" on ideas that almost all Americans support. They're saying they'll do everything they can to prevent any votes on these provisions. They're saying the opinions of NRA lobbyists matter more than what the overwhelming majority of Americans believe. And that's not right.

Your senator, Johnny Isakson, can be a critical voice to ensure that the families of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson, and so many other communities across the country that have been ripped apart by gun violence get what they deserve: a simple up-or-down vote on legislation that would reduce these crimes.

It's up to you. Call Sen. Isakson at (202) 224-3643, and speak up for the families of Newtown. Here's a sample script:

Hi, my name is YOUR NAME and I'm from YOUR CITY. I stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence. I'm asking Senator Isakson to call on his colleagues to demand an end to their filibuster and allow a simple up-or-down vote on this important legislation.
This political posturing should not -- and cannot -- be tolerated. But the only way that this legislation will move forward is if politicians in Washington hear the demands of their constituents and allow a vote on these reforms.

After your call, click here to let us know how it went.

As President Obama said, "Now is the time for everybody to make their voices heard."

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Walker
Deputy National Political Director
Democratic National Committee

 

 

 

In November, women overwhelmingly supported President Obama—and that’s because we knew as women that President Barack Obama has and always will fight for us.  This is why on National Equal Pay Day, alongside President Obama, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality and understand that our work is far from finished.  Because these issues are not just women’s issues; they are issues for all of our families.

With more women acting as their family’s breadwinners and accounting for nearly half of our country’s work force, families everywhere are feeling the effects of this inequity.  Women are earning 23% less than their male counterparts, a figure that adds up fast. Over the course of a women’s career this gap will result in a loss of about $380,000. This gap is even greater for Latinas and African American women. How can we continue to let women get paid less for similar work when the livelihoods of so many families rely on the paychecks of women? Our families and our economy can’t afford being shortchanged.

This is why the President has been fighting for women’s economic security from day one. He made it clear this was a top priority when the first bill he signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, ensuring woman can fight for equal pay for equal work. He has cracked down on equal pay law violations wherever they occur and continues to call on the Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, a measure I originally cosponsored.

Women chose to stand with our President in November because he’s always stood with us. And when so many Republicans in Congress have turned their backs to the disparities women face every day and tried to push us backward, President Obama has always fought to move forward.

With him as President we continue to move forward, but even as we do so, we know there is so much left to do. We must do better—we must achieve true economic equality for the sake of our families, our daughters and our country.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement celebrating National Equal Pay Day, which is today:

"In November, women overwhelmingly supported President Obama—and that’s because we knew as women that President Barack Obama has and always will fight for us.  This is why on National Equal Pay Day, alongside President Obama, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality and understand that our work is far from finished.  Because these issues are not just women’s issues; they are issues for all of our families.

"With more women acting as their family’s breadwinners and accounting for nearly half of our country’s work force, families everywhere are feeling the effects of this inequity.  Women are earning 23% less than their male counterparts, a figure that adds up fast. Over the course of a women’s career this gap will result in a loss of about $380,000. This gap is even greater for Latinas and African American women. How can we continue to let women get paid less for similar work when the livelihoods of so many families rely on the paychecks of women? Our families and our economy can’t afford being shortchanged.

"This is why the President has been fighting for women’s economic security from day one. He made it clear this was a top priority when the first bill he signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, ensuring woman can fight for equal pay for equal work. He has cracked down on equal pay law violations wherever they occur and continues to call on the Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, a measure I originally cosponsored.

"Women chose to stand with our President in November because he’s always stood with us. And when so many Republicans in Congress have turned their backs to the disparities women face every day and tried to push us backward, President Obama has always fought to move forward.

"With him as President we continue to move forward, but even as we do so, we know there is so much left to do. We must do better—we must achieve true economic equality for the sake of our families, our daughters and our country.”

After a major victory yesterday in the fight to reduce gun violence, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley asked our supporters to step up.

Friend --

Throughout my career as a prosecutor, city councilman, mayor of Baltimore, and now governor of Maryland, I've had to attend too many funerals for men, women, and children who have lost their lives to gun violence.

I've spent my career working with law enforcement to drive down violent crime, and I am happy to say that today, we are taking another step forward toward curbing gun violence.

Yesterday, our state legislature passed a comprehensive public safety package that will make sure fewer mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters will lose a loved one to gun violence in Maryland.

Even though the proposal is supported by a large majority of Marylanders, we had to work harder than ever before to pass it into law. The interest groups who oppose actions to reduce gun violence are powerful, entrenched, and well-financed, and they fought us every step of the way in Maryland -- just as they're fighting tooth and nail to block any action at the federal level.

We were able to prevail because there were enough Democratic lawmakers willing to stand up to the special interest groups -- and they were able to do that because they knew that committed supporters like you had their back.

Today, I'm asking you to show Democrats across the country that you have their back in the fight to reduce gun violence.

I can tell you firsthand that having what it takes to win can make all the difference. Chip in $5 or more today:

https://my.democrats.org/Reduce-Gun-Violence

We must act -- to make our communities safer, and to honor the memory of the loved ones we've lost.

Thanks,

Martin

Martin O'Malley
Governor
Maryland

 

Our Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement in honor of Cesar Chavez Day:

On this day I join millions of Americans to honor the birthday and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Chavez believed deeply that every individual deserves respect and dignity, that an honest day's work is worth a decent wage, and that the collective power of individuals can bring about real change in our society. Embodying these ideals we as a nation hold dear, Chavez has inspired so many to stand up for their basic rights.

In the coming months, Congress will debate raising the minimum wage and finally fixing our broken immigration system through common-sense reforms. I will fight alongside President Obama and my fellow Democrats to honor the legacy of Cesar Chavez by ensuring everyone in our great nation is treated with dignity and humanity and every worker has a right to make an honest living through hard work. I'm hopeful Republicans will join us.

On Saturday, the Affordable Care Act turned 3 years old! The Affordable Care Act requires health care plans to cover preventative services like cancer screenings and birth control with no out-of-pocket costs. To celebrate the law’s anniversary, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius outlined the law’s future, including the new Health Insurance Marketplace:

Because the Affordable Care Act outlaws discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing or chronic condition, as of January 1, 2014, no one can be turned away by plans in the Marketplace or charged more because they’re in poorer health—or just because they’re a woman. At last, being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition… And every health insurance plan in the Marketplace will cover a standard set of essential health benefits that includes, among other benefits, hospital stays, prescription drug coverage, preventive services, oral and vision care for kids.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Republicans lost in 2012 because they failed to appeal to a majority of voters—but it's clear they didn't learn their lesson. Instead of working to appeal to the changing, growing electorate, Republicans are now trying to rig the game by changing the Electoral College.

Several states have already considered—and rejected—a similar plan: Republicans in Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Florida have all come out against rigging the Electoral College. But that hasn't stopped Pennsylvania's Senate majority leader, Republican Dominic Pileggi, from introducing legislation to do just that.

The Pennsylvania Republican plan would award electoral votes proportionally. Consider this: If a plan like this had been in place in 2012, President Obama would have received 12 of Pennsylvania's Electoral College votes, and Mitt Romney would have received eight—even though he lost the popular vote by more than 300,000 votes. This is a plan that would diminish Pennsylvania's importance in future elections and its historical role as a key swing state—and more important, it would disempower hundreds of thousands of voters.

Democrats are fighting back and calling on Gov. Tom Corbett to come out publicly against the electoral-rigging scheme. Former Gov. Ed Rendell sent an email to Democrats in his home state earlier today with his take on "a bad idea that will hurt every Pennsylvanian, Democrat and Republican alike"—and why every Democrat needs to make their opposition heard:

Friend --

Right now, Republicans in our state are trying to diminish Pennsylvania's importance in future presidential elections -- meaning that the issues that are important to you and me will get less attention at the national level. They know they can't win our state on the issues, so they're resorting to underhanded tactics and undermining the influence of our voters.

Their plan would change the way Pennsylvania allocates its Electoral College votes -- splitting our votes between the winner and the loser, rather than the traditional winner-take-all approach we've used for centuries. It would end our historical role as a critical electoral state, and create a detour around Pennsylvania on the road to the White House.

In short, it's a bad idea that will hurt every Pennsylvanian, Democrat and Republican alike. And it's up to us to do everything we can to stop it.

Call Governor Tom Corbett's office right now at (717) 787-2500 and politely let him know you oppose this plan because it's neither fair nor the right thing for Pennsylvania.

After your call, let us know how it went.

Look, it doesn't take a genius to figure out why Republicans are trying to pull this trick in Pennsylvania: They haven't carried our state in a presidential election since 1988. They haven't been able to beat us, so now they're trying to rig the game.

This isn't the first time we've seen Pennsylvania Republicans try to rig the election in their favor. In 2012, they tried to change the rules by passing burdensome voter ID laws that would have had the effect of disenfranchising thousands of Pennsylvanians. We fought those laws in the courts, and won.

Now let's join together again and make sure this latest scheme doesn't fly.

Call Governor Corbett at (717) 787-2500, and tell him to stop this bill. Then, click below to report your call:

http://my.democrats.org/PA-Call-Report-Back

Let's do this,

Ed

Governor Ed Rendell

P.S. -- I can tell you from my experience as Governor: these calls make a difference. Call right now and tell him you oppose this bill.

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2013, young women across the country are taking time to reflect upon the great progress our country has made since women were granted the right to vote nearly 93 years ago, but we also recognize the work that has yet to be done. As Republicans continue to support policies that restrict access to health care, family planning, and equal pay, women find themselves struggling to have their voices heard in the most basic and critical ways. And when women's voices are silenced, our economy suffers.

President Obama and the Democratic Party have long made women a priority. The very first bill the President signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helps women who face pay discrimination recover their lost wages. Though women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, they still only earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. President Obama is committed to ending this discrepancy, and has proven this by creating the Equal Pay Task Force to ensure that existing equal pay laws are enforced. The President is now putting pressure on Congressional Republicans to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act this year.

Though ensuring equal pay is a critical step in the fight for equality, the President is ensuring access to opportunities before women even enter the workforce. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of women enrolled in degree-granting institutions rose by 39 percent. Not only is President Obama working to ensure that every student is building the skills they need to enter an increasingly competitive workforce, he is taking steps to increase the number of women in underrepresented STEM fields by rewarding schools that demonstrate efforts to remove barriers to girls' participation in science and mathematics. Supporting and retaining America’s female scientists and engineers is also the goal of the National Science Foundation’s ten-year “career-life balance initiative.”

The Democratic Party knows that increasing participation in the workforce and allowing for a healthy work-life balance is just the beginning. Young women and girls need role models at the highest levels of women and government. I am so proud to serve as the President of the College Democrats of America, where I have the opportunity to speak with young women who, like me, hope to enter a career in public service. We have a strong leader in DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and President Obama has taken steps to ensure that young women across the country like us have strong role models in their government. From his previous appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State to his dedication to ensuring that women's voices continue to be heard through his second term in the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through new leaders Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Gina McCarthy, the President has been an advocate for gender parity in government. Young women like myself are working hard to ensure that women see more representation on the Hill and in the White House long after the President leaves office. His legacy is one of greater equality in Washington, and that legacy will be upheld for generations to come.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognize all the amazing women who have worked to make this world a better place. Far too often, the contributions of women go unnoticed, and I am thrilled that Congress has designated March Women’s History Month to celebrate the accomplishments of women.

Despite incredible obstacles, African American women have been quietly changing history for hundreds of years. By simply refusing to get up, Rosa Parks helped launch the civil rights movement. Dr. Mae Jemison proved that with hard work you really can touch the stars. Women have been tearing down obstacles and paving the way for other women to realize their dreams since the beginning of time.

Every time I cast my ballot, I think of the many women who fought so hard to give me a voice. We must use that voice to encourage the next generation of female warriors to enter the political arena where they can help preserve and expand the rights we've fought so hard to obtain.

Women like Shirley Chisholm paved the way for a new generation of female leaders by becoming the first women to run for president, and Senator Carol Moseley Braun became this country's first female African American senator.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge C. Delores Tucker, the woman who opened the doors of opportunity to allow me to become the chair of the DNC Black Caucus. As the first chair of the DNC Black Caucus, Tucker taught us how to make sure that the voices of all African American women are heard.

As the saying goes, we come a long way, baby, but we have a long way to go. Women still make 77 cents for every dollar paid to men, and Republicans continue to try to take away our right to choose. So we must keep fighting injustice and inequality. It is imperative that we defeat candidates who trivialize the impact of violence against women and put more people like Sonia Sotomayer on the Supreme Court to protect what we have accomplished.

There are a plethora of opportunities waiting for us, if we continue to break down barriers and work toward realizing true equality in our lifetimes.

Yesterday, President Obama and the First Lady hosted a reception celebrating Women’s History Month at the White House. The event featured women such as fair-pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter, Baltimore Mayor and DNC Secretary Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and activist Dolores Huerta. During his remarks, the President talked about the historic battles that women have fought in the last century—from getting the right to vote, to fighting against pay discrimination, to passing the Family and Medical Leave Act, and to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

And that’s what everybody deserves in this country-–the opportunity to make of their lives what they will, no matter who they are, what they look like, whether they are boys or girls, women or men. That’s why I ran for President in the first place—to put the same rights and opportunities within the reach of all of our daughters and sons. And while there’s still a lot of work to be done, I am confident that we can reach that goal, that we can make sure that every single door is open, every dream is within reach—for Malia, for Sasha, for your daughters, for your granddaughters—to make sure that they never feel like there are barriers in front of them, and that if they work hard, they can make it.

Read more about the event and the President’s full remarks here.

It's clear that 2012 election didn't usher in a less-extreme Republican Party. As the GOP prepares to vote on the Ryan budget, which gives the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut at the expense of the middle class, it's more important than ever that we stand with President Obama and Democrats to protect our progress and move forward.

Check out this email our chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, just sent to Democrats nationwide, then add your name to show your support.

Friend --

This week, my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives will vote to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut paid for by seniors, middle-class families, and students.

This is a wake-up call. Last year's election didn't make the Republicans' policies any less extreme, and it didn't make them any less eager to enact them.

I'm standing with President Obama and my Democratic colleagues to make good on the progress Americans voted for this past November, and I need you to stand with us.

We've accomplished a tremendous amount together over the past four years, but it couldn't be more clear that our opponents will roll all of that progress back if we give them a chance. Let's not give them one.

Let President Obama and other Democrats know that you're with us:

http://my.democrats.org/Stand-with-President-Obama

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- Knowing who we can count on is important. If you're one of those people, please let us know.

When I became unexpectedly pregnant with my daughter Sinatra, I was uninsured; at the time pregnancy was a considered a “preexisting condition”, so I could not receive coverage. Fortunately, I had the financial resources to become a mother without insurance coverage. But I was shocked and humbled by the amount of women and families whom were uninsured in our country facing critical choices about their health—oftentimes choices between life and death for themselves or a loved one. Millions of women and families will no longer have to choose as they are secured stronger protections and more preventive services for women under the Affordable Care Act.

From the beginning of our effort to re-elect President Obama, we knew women were going to play a large part in deciding the election. We also knew that the No. 1 source women trusted most when deciding how to vote were women like them. And we knew that the more they learned about how they benefited from the Affordable Care Act, the more they shared this with their friends—garnering more votes for the President by women.

So it was no surprise when women had the choice between President Obama, who believes women should be able to make our own decisions about our health care, and someone whose party platform included supporting a constitutional amendment to ban abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, the choice was easy. When women had the choice between President Obama, who is working to make sure women can afford health care for ourselves and our families, and someone who had promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act on day one—we made our voice and our vote loud and clear, re-electing President Obama by a decisive margin.

And while we are made stronger knowing that President Obama will continue to fight for us during his second term, implementing health care for an additional 30 million Americans, and recently signing the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, there is still so much more work to do, and we can’t stop now.

Because women are the majority in this country, the majority of the economy, and the majority of the electorate, we decide elections and will continue to do so. But that is not the only time we should make our voices heard. This Women’s History Month, we must recommit ourselves to the struggle for true equality and opportunity by getting involved and staying involved.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is important to highlight the strides our nation's Latina entrepreneurs have made in recent years. Latina-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment among women-owned enterprises—starting companies at six times the national average. Their businesses alone contribute an average of $56 billion to America’s economy each year.

The impact of Latina business owners is felt across the board. In fact, they have played a major part in the 44 percent growth of Hispanic-owned businesses in recent years, which collectively boost the American economy by an estimated $465 billion annually.

Nearly 1.6 million Latinas were enrolled in college in 2010. In fact, over 64 percent of master's degrees completed by Hispanics are women. As more and more Latinas are becoming empowered through education, it is our duty to foster their entrepreneurialism by encouraging them to take on more leadership positions across both the public and private sectors. President Obama is doing just that. From promoting innovation through the launch of Startup America, to issuing thousands of microloans and investing in women-owned small businesses, the Obama administration is encouraging entrepreneurship and laying the foundation for an economy built to last.

Although Latinas are making strides in opening businesses and pursuing higher education, there is still much work to be done. Of 20 female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, only four are women of color, and none are Latina. Currently, only about 5 percent of women who sit on corporate boards are Latinas.

As we move forward, it is important for the business community to adopt practices that not only empower Latinas, but all women entrepreneurs. Women are an incredible asset to the American economy and we must acknowledge their proven leadership potential in business, government, education and every sector that makes our country great.

A few days ago, I read Sum It Up: A Thousand and Ninety-Eight Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective by Pat Summitt, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This book aroused emotions from my days of playing basketball at Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. Without a basketball scholarship, I would have not been able to attend college. And without Title IX, colleges could not afford to offer me a basketball scholarship.

Title IX or the Patsy Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

I salute Pat Summitt for weathering the storms and holding fast to the dreams of many girls while the University of Tennessee implemented Title IX. I also salute the late Hon. Patsy Mink for her foresight in authoring an early draft of the Title IX legislation that provided an opportunity for many girls to pursue their dreams. Title IX was more than a basketball scholarship—it was an education. In the words of Loretta Lynn, “We’ve come a long way, baby!”

This Women’s History Month, as I look forward, I am working for a President that has expanded opportunities for students to afford college, made it possible for students to stay on their parents' health insurance, and expanded tax credits to assist families with the rising cost of education.

The House Republican budget claims to balance the budget in 10 years but the math just doesn’t add up. How does a plan that gives a new tax cut to the wealthiest Americans, without identifying a single tax loophole to close achieve any meaningful deficit reduction? The answer, while unfair, is not at all unfamiliar to GOP budgets—their plan requires a major tax increase on middle class families of more than $2000. The Ryan budget cuts taxes for the wealthy even more than Mitt Romney’s 2012 proposal, which could not have been paid for without raising taxes on the middle class. Paul Ryan is fond of saying his budget is all about tough choices. Again, Republicans and Paul Ryan has chosen to slash taxes for the wealthiest Americans and place the entire burden of deficit reduction on programs benefiting the middle class, seniors, and vulnerable Americans.

THE RYAN BUDGET CUTS TAXES FOR THE WEALTHY THAT MUST BE PAID FOR WITH HIGHER MIDDLE CLASS TAXES, MORE DEBT, OR BOTH

Michael Linden, Center for American Progress: The Ryan Budget "Has A Bigger Revenue Hole Than The Romney Budget Did, Meaning His Tax Increases on the Middle Would Have To Be Even Bigger."  "Last year the Tax Policy Center estimated that these provisions would generate revenue equaling just 15.8 percent of GDP in 2022. Extrapolating to 2023 suggests that Rep. Ryan is missing about $840 billion of revenue in 2023 alone, and approximately $7 trillion over the entire 10-year period from 2014 through 2023. After accounting for the added interest costs from all of these unpaid-for tax cuts, Ryan’s budget would still be about $1.2 trillion in the red in 2023. … If all of this sounds vaguely familiar, that’s because this is the same play that Rep. Ryan and his running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, ran in the 2012 election: promising enormous tax cuts with no way to pay for them except by raising taxes on the middle class. The only difference this time is that this version of Rep. Ryan’s budget has a bigger revenue hole than the Romney budget did, meaning his tax increases on the middle would have to be even bigger." [Michael Linden, Center for American Progress, 3/12/13]

Robert Greenstein, Center On Budget And Policy Priorities: The Ryan Budget Cuts Taxes For The Wealthy More Than Twice As Much As Romney Proposed And The Romney Proposal Could Not Have Been Paid For Without Raising Taxes On The Middle Class. "Governor Romney adopted a similar approach in his presidential campaign, arguing that he would use unspecified tax expenditure savings to offset the cost of cutting the top income tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent, or by 7 percentage points.  Analysis by the Tax Policy Center indicated that Romney could not do that without raising taxes on middle class and working poor Americans.  Yet now, Ryan proposes to cut the top rate by as much as 14.6 percentage points, or more than twice as much as Romney proposed, while still claiming to finance it through tax expenditure reforms that policymakers would identify later." [Statement by Robert Greenstein, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 3/12/13]

The Atlantic: "As Written, [The Ryan Budget] Is Almost Certainly A Plan To Raise Taxes On The Same Lower-Middle Class Which Is Also Getting Hit With Massive Spending Cuts." "The tax plan would cut the top rate to 25 percent -- a 15-point reduction for income above $450,000 -- but somehow it would also collect the same amount of revenue as the president's current policy. Quick math: If you cut tax rates for the top 0.1 percent in half, the only way to make the same amount of money is (a) to practically wipe out all of their tax advantages or (b) to raise taxes disproportionately on the bottom 99.9 percent. To be clear: As written, this [the Ryan budget] is almost certainly a plan to raise taxes on the same lower-middle class which is also getting hit with massive spending cuts." [Derek Thompson, TheAtlantic.com, 3/12/13]

Robert Reich: "The Reality, Of Course, Is That The Only Possible Way Ryan Could Pay For His Proposed Tax Cuts For The Wealthy And Corporations Would Be To Raise Taxes On The Middle Class." "Meanwhile, it redistributes upward, cutting the top tax rate for individuals down to 25 percent -- a bigger tax cut for the top than even Mitt Romney proposed -- and the corporate tax rate down to 25 percent, from 35 percent today. Ryan would pay for these tax cuts by 'closing tax loopholes,' but -- where did we hear this before? -- his budget doesn't say which loopholes, or even hint at what it would do with rates on capital gains and dividends. Like Romney's plan, it leaves all the heavy lifting to Congress. The reality, of course, is that the only possible way Ryan could pay for his proposed tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations would be to raise taxes on the middle class." [Robert Reich, Huffington Post, 3/12/13]

Ezra Klein: Paul Ryan's Plan "Will Require Either Huge, Deficit-Busting Tax Cuts Or Increasing Taxes On Poor And Middle-Class Households." "Here is Paul Ryan’s path to a balanced budget in three sentences: He cuts deep into spending on health care for the poor and some combination of education, infrastructure, research, public-safety, and low-income programs. The Affordable Care Act’s Medicare cuts remain, but the military is spared, as is Social Security. There’s a vague individual tax reform plan that leaves only two tax brackets — 10 percent and 25 percent — and will require either huge, deficit-busting tax cuts or increasing taxes on poor and middle-class households, as well as a vague corporate tax reform plan that lowers the rate from 35 percent to 25 percent." [Ezra Klein, Washington Post, 3/12/13]

FLASHBACK: ROMNEY PROPOSED $5 TRILLION IN NEW TAX CUTS WHICH WOULD SHOWER MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES WITH EVEN MORE BENEFITS WHILE RAISING TAXES ON THE MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES

Center On Budget And Policy Priorities: Romney’s New Tax Cuts Would Cost $4.9 Trillion Over A Decade, On Top Of The Cost Of Extending The Bush Tax Cuts. “The Tax Policy Center estimates that the Romney tax plan would lose about $480 billion in tax revenue in calendar year 2015, beyond the revenues losses inherent in maintaining current policy (such as continuing all of the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts).  Over the 2014-2022 period, that implies a total reduction in revenues of about $4.9 trillion, relative to current tax policy.” [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/21/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, Families With Kids Who Make Less Than $200,000 Would See An Average Tax Increase Of $2,041. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 18, 8/1/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, The Top 0.1% Would See An Average Tax Cut Of $246,652. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 19, 8/1/12]

Reuters Headline: “Romney Tax Plan Helps Rich, Hurts Middle Class-Study.” [Reuters, 8/1/12]

Boston Globe Headline: “Mitt Romney’s Tax Plan Would Offer Big Cuts To Millionaires, Raise Taxes On Middle Class, Brookings Analysts Say.” [Boston Globe, 8/1/12]

Washington Post Editorial: The Tax Policy Center Found That Under The Romney Plan “Even If Every Loophole For The Top Brackets Were Closed, There Wouldn’t Be Enough Revenue. The Middle Class Would Have To Pay More.” “The Tax Policy Center (TPC), a joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, examined Mr. Romney’s claim and found that, even if every loophole for the top brackets were closed, there wouldn’t be enough revenue. The middle class would have to pay more.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 8/21/12]