Weston, West Virginia - West Virginia Democrats have endorsed a 21st-century Economic Bill of Rights for greater economic and social justice!

During a meeting in Weston on September 30, the West Virginia Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to adopt a resolution in support of a 21st-century Economic Bill of Rights.

The resolution affirms that all Americans have:

• The right to a job and a living wage;
  
• The right to a voice in the workplace through a union and collective bargaining;
• The right to comprehensive, quality health care;
• The right to a complete cost-free public education and access to broadband internet;
• The right to decent, safe, affordable housing;
• The right to a clean environment and a healthy planet;
• The right to meaningful resources at birth and a secure retirement;
• The right to sound banking and financial services;
• The right to an equitable and economically fair justice system; and
• The right to vote and otherwise participate in public life.

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The proposal builds on the legacy of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who called for an Economic Bill of Rights in his 1944 State of the Union speech. While FDR's New Deal programs provided much-needed economic relief to many suffering during the Great Depression, they often came at the expense of Black Americans.

The 21st-century adaptation seeks to expand upon FDR's vision by calling for fairness in the criminal-legal system and promoting universal programs with truly equitable access.

"Adopting this resolution sends a clear message to voters about who and what WV Democrats are fighting for," resolution author Troy N. Miller said in a press release. "There’s a lot of work ahead, but recognizing and affirming these rights is a critical first step to securing these rights for all West Virginians and all Americans."

The idea for a 21st-century Economic Bill of Rights has seen positive momentum within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, featuring in the past presidential campaigns of Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and the current campaign of Marianne Williamson.

At the state level, the Massachusetts and Arizona Democratic Parties have passed resolutions endorsing a 21st-century Economic Bill of Rights, while the New Hampshire State House has advanced related legislation.

Similar proposals are also coming up for consideration in California and in Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing American citizens living outside the United States.