Images of Jefferson County
Welcome to the home page of the Jefferson County Democratic
Executive Committee
BIENVENIDO A LA HOJA PRINCIPAL DE LOS DEMOCRATAS DEL CONDADO JEFFERSON, ESTADO DE FLORIDA
We pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unites States of Amirica, and to the Republic for which it stands!
Hear response to foul language Cong. Ted Yoho of Fla. addressed to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/aocs-speech-about-ted-yohos-apology-was-a-comeback-for-the-ages/2020/07/23/524e689a-cb90-11ea-91f1-28aca4d833a0_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories-2_hesse-435pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans
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LIST OF DEC MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
NEXT DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
The regular meeting of the Jefferson County DEC on Tuesday, May 12, has been cancelled. Pending further developments with the coronavirus pandemic, and until further notice, Jefferson County DEC meetings are SUSPENDED.
Click here for the agenda (when available). THESE MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO ALL JEFFERSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS.
Presidential Election
Nov. 3, 2020
Register to Vote at the Supervisor's Office or
online before the 2020 presidential election.
Ages 16 and over can register, and will receive a voter ID when they turn 18. All today's young folks who turned 17 in 2019, who will be 18 before the Nov. 3, 2020, election, can register now and vote in 2020!
Ex-offenders:
The Florida Constitution was amended by voters on Nov. 6, 2018, restoring the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation. If you have completed a felony sentence, register to vote! Help your community and yourself with your Democratic vote! The amendment does not apply to those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses.
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NEED HEALTH INSURANCE? It's still possible to get it through the Affordable Care Act!
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November 1, 2019: Open Enrollment started — first day to enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2020 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
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December 15, 2019: Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2020 coverage. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
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January 1, 2020: 2020 coverage starts, if you've paid your first premium.
Buscando seguros medicales por Obamacare? Hay cuatro maneras para obtener informacion y conseguir seguros. Vayase a este sitio Internet y sigua las instrucciones.
When the Republicans target Obamacare, they are targeting the people of Florida.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as of Dec. 15, at the end of open enrollment for 2019, the total for all states was 8.5 million enrollments through the Affordable Care Act. Of those, 1,786,679 Floridians signed up for health insurance under the ACA, more than any other state! And this does not include those who previously bought policies which continued automatically. Nor does it include those of us who purchased insurance through our employers, but benefit from Obamacare coverage of pre-existing conditions, covering our children until age 26, and other ACA insurance improvements.
And, we could have added health insurance coverage for another 800,000 Floridians, excluded by the Republicans from the Medicaid expansion, included in the ACA with 90% Federal funding, but rejected by Florida's Republican administration.
When the Republicans target Obamacare, they are targeting the people of Florida.
This fight is NOT over!
From CNN:
"8.8 million sign up for Obamacare in strong showing
Some 8.8 million people signed up for 2018 coverage on the federal exchange during an open enrollment season that was half the length of prior years and far less promoted, the Trump administration said Thursday. That's only 400,000 fewer than signed up on healthcare.gov during open enrollment a year before.
The Trump administration made several changes to this year's open enrollment period that supporters of the Affordable Care Act said sabotaged the program. In addition to shortening the enrollment period, it reduced the advertising budget by 90%, eliminating television spots, which advocates said was the most effective way to get people to sign up. Also, the administration cut funding for navigators, who help people enroll, by more than 40%." (editor's note: emphasis added)
The Republicans sued to end the Affordable Care Act after they eliminated the Federal tax authority behind it, and found a judge in Texas to rule their way. However, the policies already purchased for 2019 are legal and in effect, and the ruling is being appealed.
Necesita Ud. Seguros Medicales? Lea abajo.cial Enrollment Period: March 15 - April The open enrollment period for 2020 ended Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 (shortened by the Trump administration from Jan. 31, where Barack Obama had it).
What if you missed the deadline (oops):
From Healthcare.gov on July 6, 2015:
Did you know that life changes, like moving, having a child, turning 26, losing your coverage, or getting married may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period?
Even though the open enrollment period for 2019 coverage ended on December 15, 2018, you may still be able to get 2019 coverage if you’ve experienced a life change recently.
Important: If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have 60 days from the time the life event occurs to enroll.
We care about your health. Take time today to see if you can still get Marketplace coverage.
The HealthCare.gov Team
Likewise, persons who become qualified for Medicaid or Medicare may apply anytime. Telephone the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, or visit the website www.healthcare.gov .
You can now see what insurance plans are offered, and their costs in your area by clicking www.healthcare.gov. Haga un clic aqui para buscar seguros medicales.
You can also see how much subsidy or tax credit you can use to reduce your health insurance costs. The plans offered are from private for-profit insurance companies, but thanks to Obamacare all must meet certain legal requirements: Pay for prescription drugs, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, and preventative care. Also, children can remain on the parents' policy until age 26, and "pre-existing conditions" are no longer excluded. There are no longer maximum expenses after which insurers can drop you, either.
WHO HEADS UP THE "BILLIONAIRE CLASS:"
Click here for a list of the world's billionaires. The first 85 own half of all wealth in the world. If you don't see your name among them, you're among more than seven billion four hundred million people who own the other half. Most own approximately... nothing. Or have debts that exceed the value of what they own.
Think of it like a large pie. One half will be eaten by 85 billionaires. The other half will be shared by more than 7,400,000,000 people, representing the rest of humanity. We'd list the names, but that's a lot of typing, and, what with births and deaths every second, you can see the problem with that...
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Global Warming
From cnn.com 8/10/17
"The records highlighted in the "State of the Climate in 2016" report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sound ominous.
• Global land surface temperatures last year were highest in 137 years of record keeping.
• Sea surface temperatures were also at their highest.
• Sea levels were at record highs in the 24 years that satellite record keeping has been used.
• Greenhouse gas marks rose faster than any year and carbon dioxide readings were above a 400 parts per million average for the year for the first time."
From the New York Times Oct. 10, 2017
"As of early 2017, the Earth had warmed by roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 1 degree Celsius) since 1880, when records began at a global scale. The number may sound low, but as an average over the surface of an entire planet, it is actually high, which explains why much of the world’s land ice is starting to melt and the oceans are rising at an accelerating pace. If greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, scientists say, the global warming could ultimately exceed 8 degrees Fahrenheit, which would undermine the planet’s capacity to support a large human population."
Want to know a little more about who, what, when and how? And what to do about it?
Click here for the NYT article.
RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS AFTER COMPLETION OF FELONY SENTENCE
The Florida Constitution was amended by voters on Nov. 6, 2018, restoring the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation. The amendment does not apply to those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses.
Anyone uncertain or needing clarification of what he/she was convicted of, or whether all terms of sentence have been completed, contact the Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where convicted. For Jefferson County, that’s Clerk of Court, 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344, (850) 342-0218. For other counties, ask our Clerk of Court, Supervisor of Elections, or a Librarian, or visit https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/research/florida-information/government/local-resources/clerks-of-county-courts/
If convicted of murder or a felony sex offense, or have not completed all terms of the sentence, do not register. Misrepresentation on a voter registration form is a felony.
Those now eligible may register at the Jefferson County Supervisor of Elections Office, 1175 W. Washington St, Monticello, FL 32344, (850) 997-3348. Office hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Or register online at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index You will need your Florida driver license or Florida ID card, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Any eligible Florida resident and US citizen age 16 or older may register to vote at the Supervisor of Elections office. This is not limited to people eligible due to Amendment 4, nor to any political party. You’ll need your driver license or ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
PUT A DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN SIGN IN YOUR YARD: We have Biden/Harris yard signs, which we'll distribute from 10 AM to Noon this Saturday, Sept. 26, from the parking lot of the Jefferson County R.J. Bailar Public Library, 375 S. Water St, Monticello, as we did Sept 2 and 5. First come, first served. Let's show our support for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris! Too many Trump signs, not enough of ours!
You can wear a mask (please) and remain in your vehicle, and we'll hand you a sign or signs. Donations are appreciated but not required. We bought this batch of signs for $3.80 each.
Please reply to democratsofjeffersoncounty@gmail.com and let us know if you want signs, and how many.
If you're unable to pick up your sign Sept. 26 and want to make other arrangements, please let us know at the above email address.
Thank you! Jefferson Blue!
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MISSION STATEMENT
Democratic Party of Jefferson County, Florida
The mission of the Democratic Executive Committee of Jefferson County is to foster and advance the goals and ideals of our American democratic society through education and community involvement. The Democratic Executive Committee will actively seek out and encourage local citizens who exemplify the goals and ideals of our democratic society to enter the public arena by pursuing public service, including elective office.
VOTE BY MAIL
The first mail ballots will be sent out by the county elections office between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. As more requests for mail ballots are received, they'll be sent out. If you haven't requested a mail ballot, please call the Jefferson County elections office at 997-3348. For the general election, which this year includes the PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, requests to Vote By Mail must be received no later than ten days before the November 3 election. But don't wait until ten days before the election to request a mail ballot, because that may be cutting it too short! County elections offices start sending out mail ballots between September 24 and October 1.
Why vote by mail? The Tallahassee Democrat today (Aug.9) reported Florida just recorded 8,502 new corona virus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing our Florida total to 526,577. Of these, more than 8,100 have died. As Floridians are tested, 1 in 10 come back positive for the infection. (Flash Aug. 13: the Palm Beach Post just reported that Covid cases in Florida total 557,137 and deaths 9,047) By the November 3 general election, you may prefer to vote by mail. So if you haven't already, telephone 997-3348, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and request a mail ballot. Besides the virus, we always face some uncertainty in waiting for the last day, like a transportation problem, illness, family issue, work issue, weather (hurricane!) and so on.
If you prefer to vote in person, consider less crowded early voting at the elections office, which has moved to the annex of the Jefferson County Health Dept, at 1175 W. Washington St., Monticello. Early voting for the general election will be open October 19 thru 31, which includes two Saturdays and one Sunday, 8;30 to 4:30.
Voter registration for the general election closes October 5, so if you need to register, whether new, or a name, address or party change, please get that done by October 5.
Vote for Joe Biden for President and Kamala Harris for Vice President. Their platform embraces dealing aggressively with the pandemic, more jobs, higher pay ($15/hour minimum) more health insurance, support for education, fighting systemic racism and the disparities in jobs, wages, housing, health care, law enforcement, and more, and developing alternative energy, building/maintaining roads and bridges and other infrastructure, and so much more. Let's not allow four more years of lies, bullying, hatefulness, abuse, ignorance, incompetence, racism and failure. Voting is power. Let's use it.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (now called Reemployment Assistance)
Visit the Department of Economic Opportunity's "Reemployment Assistance" website at https://careersourcenorthflorida.com/reemployment-assistance/
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION?
CLICK HERE
Do you want us to email you a scholarship application? Email us at democratsofjeffersoncounty.com, and we'll attach an application form to our reply. Application deadline second Tuesday in April for the Fall semester.
What is the Green New Deal so many Democrats are talking about?
Click here for an analysis by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Columbia University Center for Sustainable Development, published February 23, 2019, on cnn.com.
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PROGRESSIVE CAPITALISM
Professor Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University, winner of a Nobel Prize in Economics, advocates for "Progressive Capitalism:" He tells CNN "America's economy has not been working for a large portion of the country."
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Trump Administration attacking the Affordable Care Act CNN 3/26/2019
"....Trump and the administration repeatedly promised -- particularly leading up to the midterm election -- to protect people with less-than-perfect medical histories.
But this shift in the Justice Department's stance doubles down on stripping away all the protections that were a hallmark of the landmark heath reform law....
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the administration's stance amounted to "all-out war on the health care of the American people."
"On the very first day that the Democratic Majority held the gavel, the House of Representatives voted to intervene against Republicans' monstrous health care lawsuit to defend people with pre-existing conditions and the health care of all Americans," Pelosi said in a statement. "While the Trump Administration broadens its monstrous ambitions from destroying protections for pre-existing conditions to tearing down every last benefit and protection the Affordable Care Act provides, Democrats are fiercely defending the law of the land and protecting all Americans' health care."
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CONTACT US
If you have any questions or comments, or would like to participate in the efforts of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, please email us at democratsofjeffersoncounty@gmail.com
Si Ud. quiere comunicar o participar con nosotros, haga nos el favor de mandar un correo electronico a democratsofjeffersoncounty@gmail.com
You may also contact us by U.S. mail/Se puede ponerse en contacto por correo:
Jefferson County Democratic Party
P.O. Box 1074
Monticello, FL 32345