Hartford, CT – Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced the results of a successful $936 million State of Connecticut General Obligation (GO) Bond offering on Wednesday. The bonds will fund a variety of capital improvements and grant programs across Connecticut including $440 million for school construction and grants to educational institutions.

“Bond sales help shape the future of our state and make key investments in what we value most,” said Treasurer Russell. “This sale will fund the construction of schools, support our education system, strengthen local infrastructure, and uplift programs benefitting residents across the state. Demand from investors generated orders far exceeding the bonds offered during this sale, demonstrating Connecticut’s sustained strength in the market.”   

Of the $800 million in new money bonds, $240 million were offered as “Social Bonds” dedicated to school construction. An additional $136 million of bonds will refinance existing debt, saving taxpayers approximately $15 million over the coming decade.

About the Sale

The $800 million new money bond offering consisted of $560 million of 2024 Series F Tax-Exempt Bonds and $240 million 2024 Series G Tax-Exempt Social Bonds. In addition, $136 million of 2024 Series H Tax-Exempt bonds were sold to refund two series of outstanding callable General Obligation bonds.

Retail Order Period

Treasurer Russell gave retail investors priority on the bonds during a dedicated one-day retail-only order period on Tuesday, October 8. The state worked with a Connecticut marketing firm, Miranda Creative, to advertise the sale through print and digital media culminating in retail orders totaling $322 million, including $121 million from Connecticut investors.

Orders and Interest Cost

Despite volatility in the municipal bond market earlier in the week, the state attracted more than $2.9 billion in total orders from both retail and institutional investors, exceeding by nearly three times the amount of bonds being offered. The Social Bonds were particularly attractive to investors, securing $1.4 billion in total orders. This significant investor response is an indication of Connecticut’s growing strength in the market following multiple credit rating upgrades and positive outlooks in recent years and produced a 3.50% borrowing cost on the 20-year 2024 Series F and G Bonds and a 2.85% borrowing cost on the ten-year 2024 Series H Refunding Bonds.  These lower borrowing costs make state investments in capital improvements and grant programs more cost-effective for taxpayers.

Projects Funded

The 2024 Series F and 2024 Series G Social bonds will fund:

• $240.0 million for School Construction
• $200.0 million for Grants to Schools and Higher Education
• $112.6 million for Grants-in-Aid to Municipalities for Qualified Infrastructure Projects
• $ 68.9 million for Health Centers and Mental Health Facilities
• $ 58.4 million for Improvements to State-owned facilities
• $ 45.0 million for State Grants for Clean Water Projects
• $ 30.5 million for University of Connecticut Nursing Program Facility
• $ 15.1 million for Economic and Community Development
• $ 8.6 million for Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund
• $ 6.5 million for Grants and Loans to Non-Profit Organizations
• $ 5.0 million for Crumbling Foundations Assistance Program
• $ 3.5 million for the Neighborhood Revitalization Investment Program
• $ 3.0 million for Connecticut Convention Center upgrades
• $ 2.9 million for Grants for Improvements to Ports, Harbors, and Marinas

Summary of GO Credit Ratings

Prior to the bond sale, all four credit rating agencies affirmed the State’s GO credit ratings.  Moody’s Investors Service affirmed its “Aa3” rating, with a Positive Outlook; S&P Global Ratings affirmed its “AA-” rating, with a Stable Outlook; Fitch Ratings affirmed its “AA-” rating, with a Positive Outlook, and Kroll Bond Ratings affirmed its “AA+” rating with a Stable Outlook.

Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC led the bond underwriting syndicate that sold the bonds, which are scheduled to close on October 23, 2024.

More information on the State’s bonding program is available at www.buyctbonds.com.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut National Guard is preparing to send additional resources to North Carolina in response to a request from that state for further assistance with Hurricane Helene disaster response.

The Connecticut National Guard’s Bravo Company, 2-104^th Aviation, 1-169^th Aviation Regiment will be sending one additional CH-47 Chinook helicopter, one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, and an aircrew of 16 soldiers to Salisbury, North Carolina, where they will assist with moving commodities to stranded communities in the state’s western region. The two helicopters and their aircrews are scheduled to depart from the Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on the morning of Friday, October 4, 2024, and they are expected to be deployed for approximately one week.

This planned deployment comes in addition to last week’s deployment to North Carolina of two other teams from Connecticut. Those teams include a five-soldier flight crew and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the Connecticut Army National Guard’s 1-169^th Aviation Regiment, and an eight-member urban search and rescue team coordinated by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Both of those teams deployed on Friday, September 27, 2024.

“Connecticut is prepared to lead by example and deliver assistance to our neighbors during times of emergency,” Governor Lamont said. “The soldiers from the Connecticut National Guard have always been ready to respond to any crisis here in our state whenever the need arises, and I am very thankful that they have accepted this mission to help our friends in North Carolina. I look forward to their safe return.”

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to the soldiers of Bravo Company, 2-104^th Aviation, 1-169^th Aviation Regiment that have been assisting the residents and first responders of North Carolina over this past week for their incredible hard work and dedication with the disaster relief efforts,” Major General Francis Evon, the commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “Their courage and commitment in the face of adversity have made a true difference for those in need, and I couldn’t be more proud of what they have accomplished. As we send two more aircraft and additional soldiers to North Carolina for further assistance, I have full confidence that the Connecticut National Guard will continue to have a significant positive impact on the hurricane relief and recovery efforts. The selfless service of our Guardsmen is a testament to the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s Home Team. I thank each of them for their unwavering dedication to our mission and our nation.”

The unit is deploying under the authorization of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid system among states and territories for lifesaving resources during natural and man-made disasters. In Connecticut, EMAC is implemented by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on behalf of the governor.

The 1-169^th Aviation Regiment’s mission is to mobilize and deploy to conduct Air Movement, Air Assault, MEDEVAC, Combat Support and Combat Service Support in support of Aviation operations throughout the designated area of responsibility. The unit is stationed in Windsor Locks at the Army Aviation Support Facility and most recently returned from a mission to Afghanistan in 2019-2020.

in anticipation of potential severe weather from Hurricane Helene, the City of Atlanta has taken proactive measures to help protect residents. We urge everyone to monitor local weather advisories and take precautions in case of flooding. Stay informed and prioritize your safety as this storm approaches.

Important Steps to Take:

• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in loose items from balconies, patios, and outside areas.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
• Stay Informed: Follow local news and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Charge Devices: Ensure phones and other devices are fully charged in case of power outages.
• Follow Evacuation Orders: If authorities issue evacuation instructions, act immediately.

City of Atlanta Departmental Updates - 6:00 PM, Wednesday, September 25

Note: City offices are closed for in-person business on Thursday, September 26.

Watershed Management

• Proactively preparing since learning of Hurricane Helene’s potential impact.
• Emergency response teams are in place to address any issues.
• Monitoring water flow in known flooding hotspots.
• Conducting routine maintenance and concentrated cleaning of storm water drains to prevent blockages.

Parks & Recreation, Forestry Team

• Coordinating with Public Works (DPW), the Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Atlanta Fire Rescue for tree removal and storm debris management.

Public Works (DPW)

• Cleaning drainage systems ahead of expected heavy rainfall.
• Moved vehicles to higher ground.
• Implemented a 24/7 staffing plan to ensure continuous coverage throughout the emergency.

Atlanta Department of Transportation (ADOT)

• Cleared bridge and curb inlets in areas expected to flood.
• Chainsaw crews are on standby for downed tree removal.
• Barricades are strategically positioned for quick deployment.

E-911 Operations

• Activated severe weather action plan with operators ready to shelter in place if necessary.
• The Westin Hotel has offered accommodations for E-911 staff during the storm.

 Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

• Prepared for swift water rescues and downed tree removal.
• Vehicles are fueled and ready to respond.

Atlanta Police Department (APD)

• Chief Schierbaum has deployed extra supplies to precincts.
• Shelter-in-place locations are being identified for essential staff.
• APD is ready to respond to any safety emergencies during the storm.

ATL311 and Remote Staff

• ATL311 will operate outside normal hours, from midnight to 7 AM on Thursday, providing 24-hour access to information.
• Remote staff provided with mifi devices in case of power loss.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Plans in place for potential flight cancellations and stranded passengers.
• Concessionaires are prepared to stay open to serve passengers, crews, and workers as needed.

Parks and Recreation Facilities

• All activities at Parks and Recreation facilities are canceled Thursday.

Emergency Alerts

• Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYATL to 2463

                                                Hurricane Helene Tracker

Treasurer Erick Russell will deliver keynote remarks at the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s 2024 Impact Breakfast on Tuesday in Norwalk. The event is being held to celebrate the achievements of the organization and to unveil its new strategic plan. Treasurer Russell’s remarks will connect the mission of the United Way with work being done in the Office of the Treasurer to strengthen economic participation across Connecticut.

What:   Treasurer Russell Delivers Keynote at United Way Event

When:   Tuesday, September 17, 2024
                        8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Where:  Pinstripes
           100 North Water St.
           Norwalk, CT

Interactive Design Charrette!
Be part of shaping the future of our community! This multi-day event will offer flexible drop-in sessions and evening presentations.
Kickoff Meeting: September 9th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Robert T. Wolfe Apartmen 

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a request to President Joe Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking a federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County in response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that portions of Connecticut received earlier this week.

The governor is requesting under such a declaration the support of direct federal assistance to supplement the state and its municipalities in meeting critical emergency protective requirements and providing restorative efforts that defend public safety. This includes a request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide support for the repairing of dozens of bridges, dams, and other infrastructure, as well as for the Environmental Protection Agency to provide support in response to the numerous oil tanks, propane cylinders, vehicles, vessels, and drums that are floating in multiple waterways. Additionally, the governor is also requesting assistance from the Federal Highway Administration for the numerous destroyed and compromised state roads.

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the support of their local partners, have been working since the immediate aftermath of the storm to assess, clean, and repair washouts on state roads where possible, as well as to secure these areas to prevent further damage. The state agency has also begun the process of developing plans for the repairing of the severely damaged Route 34 so that it can be reopened, as well as for other structures that need to be replaced.

Under his authority, Governor Lamont declared a civil preparedness emergency in response to the flooding on Monday.

“This was an extreme amount of rainfall in an incredibly short period of time that resulted in historic levels of flooding in western Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Our state experienced two fatalities in which people were swept away from flood waters, and first responders bravely rescued and evacuated hundreds of people during and after the storm. Scores of state and local roads are washed away or compromised, dams and bridges have been affected, and oil tanks, vehicles, and other hazardous items were flooded into waterways. I appreciate President Biden and FEMA for considering this request to assist our state and municipalities with the immediate effort to protect public safety in the aftermath of this devastation.”

This request for a federal emergency declaration is not to be confused with a request for a FEMA major disaster declaration, which could provide federal funding to support homeowners, businesses, and local and state governments with financial assistance for the costs of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the storm. That type of declaration requires the state and local governments to provide FEMA with a detailed accounting of all public and uninsured private property damage incurred as a direct result of the storm and a cost estimate that can determine whether certain thresholds have been met. That process typically takes several weeks to complete, and the Lamont administration is already working with municipalities to conduct it. Any homeowners and business owners who experienced damage to their property from this storm are strongly urged to contact their town’s local emergency management office as soon as possible so that their damages can be documented as part of this effort.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s request for a federal emergency declaration

“Throughout this afternoon and evening, I have been working with our state’s emergency management team to coordinate with mayors, first selectmen, and other municipal officials on any immediate response needed due to the severe and sudden rainfall that has impacted our state today. So far, our urban search and rescue teams have helped at least 100 people evacuate unsafe conditions. We will continue helping towns with any resources they need to immediately respond and keep the public safe.

Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.

I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.

###

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order directing the establishment of the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity – a new state office that will be responsible for leading Connecticut’s efforts to ensure that state government is a leader in equity and inclusion with the goals of eliminating institutional and systemic barriers and creating opportunity and access for all those it serves and employs.

Administratively held within the Office of the Governor and funded through existing appropriations, the Office of Equity and Opportunity will be led by a chief equity and opportunity officer who will be appointed by the governor and responsible for coordinating a number of activities prescribed in the executive order related to ensuring that state government offices are representative of the people they serve and that people from different racial, ethnic, gender, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds have a voice in the decision-making processes concerning the policies and practices of state government.

“I firmly believe that government should actively seek out and engage with individuals and opinions beyond those who typically have access and opportunity because doing so will create a stronger workforce within government while also crafting more effective and representative public policies,” Governor Lamont said. “State government is accountable to the public and we have a responsibility to maintain trust and confidence by demonstrating our commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and social progress. By doing everything we can to create a fair, equitable, and inclusive environment representative of the people who live in our state, we can address historical and ongoing disparities and promote social justice.”

The executive order directs the chief equity and opportunity officer to:

• Serve as the coordinator of the state’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy;
• Support equity-oriented efforts throughout the state to ensure services and resources are available and accessible to all in Connecticut;
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of current and proposed policies and practices of state agencies to identify areas where disparities exist, and where underserved communities may face barriers to accessing services;
• Develop a formal process for the development and implementation of agency equity plans;
• Coordinate the publication of agency equity plans on a centralized and easily accessible website;
• Develop equity-oriented systems, policies, and procedures that operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion and support sustainable practices within state agencies;
• Identify diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings opportunities for all state employees;
• Develop statewide diversity, equity, and inclusion benchmarks and measures of progress;
• Oversee and provide guidance to state agencies on how to engage and incorporate the perspectives of underserved communities;
• Partner with state agencies to ensure communications with residents are culturally and linguistically appropriate and accessible;
• Integrate equity considerations into the budget process and assess the impact of budget decisions; and
• Provide strategies to promote equitable contracting and purchasing practices.

Additionally, the executive order directs all state employees to participate in trainings focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion as coordinated by the chief equity and opportunity officer. It also directs all state agencies to develop an agency equity plan with the assistance of the chief equity and opportunity officer.

“State government has a responsibility to approach our work through an equity lens,” Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “This executive order is an important step forward as we work to ensure that every person who seeks state services or employment is greeted with equal opportunity. I look forward to working with the chief equity and opportunity officer on these critical efforts.”

“We thank Governor Lamont for underscoring his commitment to equitable government,” Pareesa Charmchi Goodwin, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, said. “Leadership buy-in from the very top is imperative to ensuring that equity initiatives are prioritized and implemented. We are proud to see our recommendations and the work of many leaders across the state reflected in today’s executive order.”

In the coming weeks, the Office of the Governor will post a job listing on the State of Connecticut Executive Branch online job portal seeking candidates to apply for the position of chief equity and opportunity officer. Governor Lamont stressed that he does not yet have a candidate for the position and encourages interested candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Multiple agencies

I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 

I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.

###

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Dallas, Texas

11:18 A.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, my goodness.  Hello, everyone.  (Applause.)  Good morning, my sorors.  (Applause.)  Good morning.

Oh, my goodness.  Please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  Oh, my heart is full. 

To our supreme basileus, Danette Anthony Reed, thank you for your leadership, your kind words, your friendship, and all that you do.  To the members of the Directorate, to my dear friend Dr. Glenda Glover, and to all (inaudible) supreme basilei, thank you for your years of leadership and mentorship.  (Applause.)

To my line sisters, the 38 Jewels of Iridescent Splendor — (applause) — oh, you are such an incredible part of my journey.  And I love you, guys.  Thank you for being here.

And to all those who serve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, it is an honor — (applause) — and a joy to be with you today.

Before I begin, I will say a few words on Hurricane Beryl.  Our hearts, of course, are with the millions of Texans who are facing the devastating impact of the storm and all those who lost loved ones and the first responders who have worked around the clock to keep people safe and the line crews, who are working as fast as possible to restore power.

President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration.  And we will continue to stand with the people of Texas as we rebuild and recover.

And with that — (applause) — I will address the topic at hand.

Sorors, as many of you know, this sisterhood has been a part of my life since my earliest days, starting with my aunt, Ms. Christine Simmons, who was initiated in 1950 at Howard University.  (Applause.)  And from 1978 to 1981, she served as basileus of Alpha Nu Me- — Nu Omega Chapter in Wa- — in Oakland, California.  (Applause.)

And, in fact, one summer, Auntie Chris hosted one of our revered founders, Ms. Norma E. Boyd, who was then 93 years old.  And Ms. Boyd gave me her book, “A Love That Equals My Labors,” which she signed, “To Kamala.  With love, Norma E. Boyd.”  (Applause.)

And that cherished book now sits in my West Wing office at the White House — (applause) — as a testament to our enduring legacy, a legacy that began 116 years ago when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was founded to create desperately needed social and legal change and to build networks of support for Black college women.

Our sisterhood was also founded, as we know, in the face of profound challenges in our country.  Think about it.  In 1908, women were not guaranteed the right to vote.  There was not a single Black person in the United States Congress.  And that year, 89 Black Americans were lynched, and that was just the number that was documented.

And yet, despite all of this, and perhaps because of it, our founders believed in the power of sisterhood and service.  And our founders believed in the promise of America — a promise of freedom, opportunity, and equality not for some but for all.  (Applause.)

For generations, in furtherance of the vision of our founders, we have fought, then, to realize that promise.  From our creation of the Mississippi Health Project in the 1930s — (applause) — to job training and literacy programs in the 1960s and ‘70s — (applause) — and then, most recently, of course, the work on voting rights and economic opportunity and child hunger.

Throughout our history, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha have stood up, spoken out, and done the work to build a brighter future for our nation, including, of course, in 2020, when, during the height of a pandemic, you helped elect Joe Biden president of the United States — (applause) — and me as the first woman elected vice president of the United States.  (Applause.)

And it is because of your work and your support that we have been able to then fill our administration with incredible leaders, such as Shalanda Young — Soror Shalanda Young — (applause) — who is the head of the most powerful Office of Management and Budget — she controls the money — (applause) — and, of course, a member of our sorority.

The promise of America: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and equality for all people. 

You know, when we first took office, the president and I knew that to realize that promise, we must address long-standing issues — some issues that people just don’t like to even talk about. 

We decided we must, for example, make health care more affordable because the reality is that access to health care should be a right and not just a privilege of those who can afford it.  (Applause.)

We decided to look at specific communities that have been long suffering on specific issues, then, including diabetes.  So, we decided to address the cost of insulin with the knowledge that Black people are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.  (Applause.)  And we took on Big Pharma and capped the cost of insulin for our elders at $35 a month.  (Applause.) 

We knew, to realize the promise of America, we must address the issue of student loan debt.  (Applause.)  And I know there are many here who have benefitted from that work.  (Applause.)  Please testify.  (Laughs.)  And we have forgiven debt for nearly 5 million people so far — and twice as much for our public servants, including our nurses and our teachers and our firefighters.  (Applause.)

The president and I have also taken on the issue of medical debt, finally making it so that medical debt, which is usually the result of a medical emergency — it’s not something you plan; it’s not something you invite — but we have made it now so that medical debt can no longer be used against your credit score.  (Applause.) 

Because that credit score, of course, is supposed to measure whether you are responsible financially or not.  The fact that you have endured a medical emergency is not a measure of that.  And so, it was just wrong, and we have corrected that.

To realize the promise of America, we have addressed the long-standing crisis of maternal mortality — (applause) — something, as you know, I’ve been working on since I was in the United States Senate. 

Why?  Because women in America die at a higher rate in connection with childbirth than women in any other wealthy nation in the world, and Black women are three times more likely to die in connection with childbirth.  (Applause.)

So, to address this crisis, among the work that I’ve done, I challenged every state in our nation when we first came in.  I challenged every nation in our — every state in our nation.  And I challenged them and said, “Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum coverage from the measly two months a year that you’ve been doing to a full year.”  (Applause.)  And I am proud to report that, when I issued the challenge, only 3 states offered a full year of coverage; now 46 states offer a for year — full year of coverage.  (Applause.)

And today, I am announcing, for the first time, we have created national health and safety standards for maternal care — for the first time, national standards — (applause) — which means nearly every hospital in our country will soon be required to provide new mothers with delivery rooms that are fully stocked with lifesaving medical equipment.  (Applause.)  It’s the first time.

So, sorors, all of us here are clear: While we have come a mighty long way, we have more work to do.

Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights: the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride, the freedom to learn and acknowledge our true and full history as America — (applause) — and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And these are not only basic freedoms and rights.  These are the pillars of our liberty, the essence of our democracy, and the promise of America.

On that last point about the attacks we see on reproductive freedom, understand how we got here.  Then-President Donald Trump hand-picked three members of the United States Supreme Court — the court of Thurgood — because he intended for them to overturn Roe v. Wade.  And as he intended, they did.

Now, two years later, in the South, where the majority of Black women call home, every state except Virginia has a ban — many with no exceptions even for rape or incest. 

Now, we all know: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body.  (Applause.)  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, but it should not be the government replacing her good judgment with its own.  (Applause.)  Faith and freedom can coexist.

And understand, the former president wants to pass a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every single state, but we will not let him.  (Applause.)  We will not let that happen.  We have worked too hard and fought too long to see our daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than our mothers.  (Applause.) 

America must trust women.  America must honor individual choice.  America must defend freedom.

And when Congress passes a law that restores the reproductive freedoms of Roe, our president, Joe Biden, will sign it.  (Applause.)

And there is so much at stake in this moment — including last week, when the Supreme Court basically told this individual, who has been convicted of fraud — (applause) — that, going forward, he will be immune for activity we know he is prepared to engage in if he gets back into the White House.

Consider: Donald Trump has openly vowed, if reelected, he’ll be a dictator on day one, that he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies, round up peaceful protesters and throw them out of our country, and even, and I quote, “terminate” the United States Constitution.

What’s more, Trump advisors have created a 900-page blueprint of their agenda for the second term.  They call it “Project 2025.”  It includes a plan to cut Social Security, to repeal our $35 cap on insulin, to eliminate the Department of Education and end programs like Head Start.

So, let us be clear: This represents an outright attack on our children, our families, and our future.  (Applause.)

And all of this is to say, I do believe this is the most existential, consequential, and important election of our lifetimes. 

Sorors — (applause) — sorors, this is a serious matter.

AUDIENCE:  Serious matter.  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so, in this moment, once again, our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward; to energize, organize, and mobilize; to register folks to vote and to get them to the polls in November.

Because we know, when we organize, mountains move.  (Applause.)  When we mobilize, nations change.  And when we vote, we make history.  (Applause.)

So, I’ll conclude with this.  For 116 years, the members of our sorority have been on the front lines of the fight to realize the promise of America.  This year, let us continue that work.

Let us fight for freedom, opportunity, and equality.  Let us, as always, fight with optimism, with faith, and hope.  And let us see it through, because when we fight, we win. 

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

Photos of Event

END                  11:37 A.M. CDT

Las Vegas, Nevada

2:20 P.M. PDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we hear it for Maya?  (Applause.) 

Well, hello, Las Vegas.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Oh, it’s good to be back.  It’s good to be back. 

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Indeed.  And we are going to work over these next hundred and — I think it’s eighteen or nineteen days to make sure that happens. 

But I want to say it is always good to be in Las Vegas and, as some folks call it, Hawaii’s “Ninth Island.” 

And I want to thank all the elected officials who are here today, including former governor Steve Sisolak and his incredible wife.  (Applause.)  Where is he?  Kathy?

And I want to thank all the union workers at this hotel who made this event possible — (applause) — including the workers of Culinary Local 226.  (Applause.) 

And today, on behalf of our president, Joe Biden, and myself, I am extremely proud to accept the endorsement of ASPIRE PAC, AAPI Victory Fund, AAAFund, and CAPA21.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And a lot of work to do.  So — (laughs) — so, let me just say, this is an extraordinary room of leaders and dear friends and long-standing supporters of the president and me.  And I see so many friends here.  And so many of you have given so much of your time and your leadership to fight for the promise of America and everything we stand for.  And I thank you for that.  And on behalf of our president, I thank you for that. 

And you all know, this — (applause) — this event today is one of the highlights as testament to what the president and I stand for and who we stand for.  We stand for the beauty and diversity and the promise of America.  And the individuals in this room right now each represent just that.

You know, many of you know, my mother arrived in the United States from India when she was just 19 years old.  And she and my father met while they were active in the Civil Rights Movement.  In fact, when I was young, my parents would take me to the marches in a stroller.  (Laughter.)  I was in the stroller, of course. 

My mother had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters — my sister, Maya, and me — and to end breast cancer.  She was a breast cancer researcher.  And I’ll tell you, my mother never asked anyone’s permission to pursue her dreams.  Never asked. 

You know, my mother, who was all of 5 feet tall, but if you met her, you would have thought she was 10 feet tall.  And it is because of her character and strength and determination that within one generation, I stand before you as vice president of the United States.  (Applause.)

And today, then, we are 118 days out from the election.  And while many of us have been involved with these elections every four years, and nearly every time, we say, “This is the one,” well, this here is the one.  This is the one, the most existential, consequential, and important election of our lifetime. 

Now, we always knew this election would be tough.  And the past few days have been a reminder that running for president of the United States is never easy.  But the one thing we know about our president, Joe Biden, is that he is a fighter.  (Applause.)  He is a fighter.  And he is the first to say: When you get knocked down, you get back up.  (Applause.) 

We all know — many of us know what that is.  So, we continue to fight, and we will continue to organize. 

And in November, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win. 

We know what hard work looks like.  We like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  (Applause.)

So, Las Vegas, in all of our work, President Biden and I have been guided by a fundamental belief: We work for you, the American people — not the special interest, not billionaires, or big corporations — you.

And in this election, there can be no doubt who you can count on to fight for you when it counts.  (Applause.)  Just look at, for example, the issue of health care and affordable health care. 

When he was in the White House, Donald Trump — let’s not forget — tried more than 60 times to end the Affordable Care Act —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and tried to take health care from millions of Americans with preexisting conditions.  Remember those days?

President Joe Biden and I, on the other hand, have defended the Affordable Care Act and made it stronger.  In fact — (applause) — in fact, today, more AA and NHPI Americans are insured than ever before in our history.  (Applause.)

Donald Trump said he was going to stand up to Big Pharma and lower the cost of prescription drugs.  Instead, he bowed down. 

On the other hand, we took on Big Pharma.  And with the knowledge that, for example, South Asians are twice as likely to have diabetes, we capped the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month.  (Applause.)

We are finally making it so that medical debt cannot be used against your credit score — (applause) — knowing how many of our relatives have had a medical emergency, something they did not invite or plan, racking up, then, tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills and debt.  And that being used against your credit score is just wrong.  The credit score is supposed to be a measure of whether you are financially responsible. 

And so, when we do the work that we have done — and you know Joe — we do it based on what we believe is morally right when you see the people and understand the struggles and the need for all people to have dignity.

So, what we’ve done with medical debt, now not allowing it on the credit score, that means it can no longer be used to deny someone a car loan or a lease on an apartment or a home loan.  Think about what that means.  (Applause.)

Then there’s the issue of student loan debt.  When he was in the White House, Donald Trump tried to end student loan forgiveness for our public servants, including teachers, nurses, firefighters. 

On the other hand, we have forgiven student loan debt for nearly 5 million Americans and — (applause) — and twice as much for our public servants.

We have also fought to protect our communities from hate and violence, including by passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which made it easier for AA and NHPI communities to report acts of hate. 

On the other hand, the former president consistently incites hate, including toward the AANHPI community.

I will not repeat his words.  I will not repeat his words because they should never be repeated.  But I will say that someone who vilifies immigrants, who promotes xenophobia, someone who stokes hate should never again have the chance to stand behind a microphone — (applause) — and the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)

There is so much at stake in this moment, includly — including, sadly, that there are some issues that require, I think, a lot more attention from the press.  (Applause.)  And there are some issues that, sadly and most recently, have not been covered to the extent that they should commensurate with the seriousness of the matter — that, most recently — most recently, the Supreme Court of the United States —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — basically told this individual who has been convicted of fraud that, going forward, he will be immune for activity we know he is prepared to engage in if he gets back into the White House.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  This is not 2016 and 2020, when you think about what that fact means in this upcoming election. 

Consider: Donald Trump has openly vowed, if reelected, that he’ll be a dictator on day one.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — round up peaceful protestors and throw them out of our country —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and even, quote, “terminate” the United States Constitution. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Donald Trump wants to turn our democracy into a dictatorship.  And the Supreme Court basically just declared he can get away with it.

What’s more — what’s more, Trump’s advisers have created a 900-page blueprint they’re calling “Project 2025” —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — detailing everything else they plan to do in a second term, including a plan to cut Social Security, to repeal our $35 cap on insulin, to eliminate the Department of Education, and end programs like Head Start. 

And Project 2025 outlands — outlines a plan to limit access to contraception and for a nationwide abortion ban with or without an act of Congress. 

If implemented — if implemented, this plan would be the latest attack in Donald Trump’s full-on assault on reproductive freedom.  And —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We won’t let that happen!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we will not.  (Applause.)

And remember — remember, then-President Donald Trump handpicked three members of the United States Supreme Court because he intended for them to undo the protections of Roe v. Wade.  And as he intended, they did.  Now — now, over 20 states have a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions even for rape and incest. 

And Trump has not denied, much less shown remorse, for his actions.  Instead, he proudly — he uses the word “proudly” — takes credit for overturning Roe. 

So, make no mistake: If Trump gets the chance, he will sign a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every single state.  But we are not going to let that happen.  (Applause.)  No, we are not.

We are not going to let that happen because we trust women.  (Applause.)  We know women know what’s in their own best interest and don’t need their government telling them what to do with their body.  (Applause.) 

And when Congress passes a law that restores the reproductive freedoms of Roe, our president, Joe Biden, will sign it — sign it into law.  (Applause.) 

So, ultimately, in this election, we each — we each face a question.  What kind of country do we want to live in: a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law —

AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — or a country of chaos —

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — fear —

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and hate?

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here is the thing — here’s the thing — and I say this to a group of people who already know this: We each have the power — we have the power to answer this question.  So, if the Supreme Court says the laws do not apply to Donald Trump, if people like Mike Pence are not around to stand up to him, and if extremists in Congress continue to bow down to him, our last defense — our last line of defense is the ballot box — (applause) — our vote.  Our vote.

In 2020 and 2022, it was the leaders in this room and in this community who showed the power of your voice and your vote.  And in 2024, we need you to do it again.  (Applause.)

So, today, I ask: Nevada, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.) 

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win!

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

END                     2:35 P.M. PDT