On the Fourth of July, as COVID-19 cases are at historic lows, and job growth is hitting historic highs, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis released the following statement to celebrate America coming back together:
“Last Fourth of July, we were at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — families were separated, friends were distanced, and far too many Americans didn’t know if they could put food on their table or keep a roof above their heads.
“As we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we’re not only celebrating our independence as a nation in 1776, but our independence from the virus. Thanks to President Biden and Maryland Democrats, COVID-19 is under control and America is back on track. Last year, Maryland saw over 3,000 new COVID-19 cases per day. Now, it’s less than 60.
“This doesn’t mean the fight against COVID-19 is over. The road to recovery still lies ahead and there are more than 600,000 empty seats at family barbeques across the country that will never be filled. We must continue to vaccinate every American, invest in families and infrastructure to build our economy back better for the working class, and remember all the loved ones who COVID-19 took from us.
“But today, as families fire up the grill, enjoy an ice cream cone, or sit back and watch fireworks together — we can celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made this year. Since the start of 2021, we’ve put more than 300 million shots in arms and vaccinated nearly 75% of adult Marylanders. Our seven-day COVID-19 death average is down to two, and hospitalizations are under a hundred. Last month, 850,000 jobs were added to the economy — over three million since President Biden took office — the fastest rate in history. And in Maryland, this has meant a steadily declining unemployment rate and historic job growth.
“This July is also the first month where the families of over a million Maryland children are eligible for President Biden’s expanded Child Tax Credit, cutting child poverty in half by the end of this year alone. This tax credit was part of the American Rescue Plan which jump-started our economy to a projected 7% annual growth — the fastest economic expansion since the Reagan administration.
“So, this Fourth of July, I’m grateful. Grateful for the blessings we’ve all received, grateful that America and Maryland are back, and grateful for the leadership of Democrats that made this day possible. Enjoy the Fourth, Maryland.”