For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 1st, 2024
Contact: Victoria Opperman, communications@azdem.org
Arizona Democratic Party Statement on Black History Month
Today, Arizona Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano released the following statement commemorating the start of Black History Month:
“Arizona Democrats celebrate Black history and the contributions made by countless Black Americans in Arizona and throughout this country. Black voters, organizers, and communities across this state have been critical voices in the Democratic Party for decades, and while we’ve made so much progress thanks to the leadership of President Biden and Arizona Democrats, we know that there is more work to be done and so much at stake this year.
Another Donald Trump term would be disastrous for Black Arizonans, only building on the failures of the four years he already spent in office. The contrast is stark: from driving low unemployment rates and a Black small businesses boom to lowering the cost of health care and making college more affordable, President Biden has delivered on his promises – while Trump wants to harm these communities and drag our country backward. With our fundamental rights and freedoms on the ballot this November, Arizona Democrats are dedicated to helping send President Biden and Vice President Harris back to the White House so they can continue to protect and build on the historic results they’ve delivered for Black Arizonans and communities nationwide.”
President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering for Black Arizonans. Another Trump term would be catastrophic:
- President Biden’s leadership has led to historically low unemployment amongst Black Americans, Black wealth is up by 60% relative to pre-pandemic – the largest increase on record, Black small businesses are booming, and the Black business ownership rate more than double its pre-pandemic level.
- Under Trump: The unemployment gap for Black workers spiked.
- The Biden-Harris administration has taken action to address student loan debt with over $127 billion in debt relief approved so far for nearly 3.6 million Americans, including $840 million for Arizonans alone.
- Trump tried to slash programs that make college more affordable for Black students. He supported capping Pell Grants, sought to cut funding for HBCUs, repeatedly tried to cut assistance like the public service loan forgiveness program, and now has no plan for addressing the student debt crisis.
- Under President Biden, more Black families have health coverage under the ACA than ever before, contributing to a total of 1,145,000 Arizonans who receive coverage under the ACA. Through HealthCare.gov, Black enrollment is up nearly 50% since 2020.
- In stark contrast, the uninsured rate of Black Americans rose during Trump’s administration for the first time in five years. Trump was one vote away from achieving his goal of repealing the Affordable Care Act – legislation directly linked to historic reductions in racial health care disparities – and is campaigning on a promise to try again.
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