Americans made their voices heard last November, sending a message loud and clear that they expect our government to work FOR us, not against us.  They supported President Obama and his agenda for working people.

Unfortunately, Republicans in Washington aren't getting the message and the games continue.  All last week President Obama made his case, laying out a specific plan with detailed cuts to avoid the sequester and reduce the deficit in a balanced way.  Republicans in Congress would not budge from their extreme approach of only spending cuts – refusing to close even one tax loophole for big corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Now that the sequester is a reality, it could cost 2 million Americans to lose their jobs, and it will diminish our military’s ability to respond to threats across the world and weaken our border security here at home.  More than 70,000 children will be kicked off Head Start and 10,000 teacher’s jobs are now at risk.  Too much is at stake for Republicans to continue to do nothing while only worrying about avoiding a primary challenge in their next elections.  Americans deserve better.

Thankfully, Congress has finally passed the Violence Against Women Act, and the important additions President Obama campaigned on have been included – protection for LGBT Americans, Native American and immigrant women.  This is an example of why we must stand our ground on the important issues, even when Republicans hold them hostage.  We celebrate this victory, and I hope everyone will re-commit to the work that lies ahead.

We would love to have everyone get involved.  We are now focusing on the local elections of 2016 in an effort to elect good Democratic candidates in Harford County.  It takes a lot of work, and we invite you to join us in this important endeavor.

We always want to know what you are thinking.  Please forward any ideas, suggestions, news, etc. to me at wlsawyer@comcast.net .  If you request a response, I will answer you as promptly as time will allow. 

Wendy Sawyer, Chair HCDCC

 To see past chair reports, click here