Dear Lucas,
It's 2015 and [last] week, the 114th Congress was officially convened. However, with the new year there are new challenges in Washington. Complete Republican control of Congress will bring roadblocks in the march toward progressive change.
Yet, we will not yield even as the circumstances become more adverse. I will keep standing up for our values and working to find common ground with Republicans on behalf of the American people.
The tragedies in Brooklyn, Staten Island and throughout the nation have brought renewed attention to the urgent need to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color. It's an important time for healing, as a city and as a country. We honor and greatly appreciate the daily sacrifices made by our police. But in a democracy, there must be a balance between effective law enforcement on the one hand and a healthy respect for civil rights and equal protection under the law on the other. In the new Congress, we'll make sure all of these principles are directly addressed.
Meanwhile, we will continue to build upon the progress made by President Obama and our country during the robust economic recovery. With 57 consecutive months of private sector job growth, gas prices low and the stock market at historic levels, most indicators are pointing us in the right direction. The new Congress must continue to build upon this momentum by investing in our middle class and working to create more good-paying jobs.
Congressional Democrats continue to lead the fight to improve economic opportunity for working families. Along with my colleagues in the New York City Congressional delegation, I continue to push for increased investment in education, affordable housing, technology and innovation. Our future vitality depends on it.
Throughout 2015, you'll be hearing more from our team about what we're up to and how you can help us make a difference. Together, we can make America a better place.
Thank you,
Hakeem Jeffries