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It's Teacher Appreciation Week. As Democrats, we know that our most important investments are the ones we make in our kids. That's why, for years, we've been on the cutting edge of education reform. From FDR signing the G.I. Bill to President Obama overhauling student loans, Democrats have consistently invested to provide our kids with a first-rate education and the tools necessary to drive our economy forward with more job creation and opportunity. We also recognize that funding and programs alone won't solve all of our problems. Democrats understand that in order to create world-class institutions of learning, we have to reward, retain, and attract world-class teachers — teachers like my favorite teach growing up, Francine Botton. Ms. Botton was my fifth and sixth grade teacher at Magnolia Open Elementary School in Long Beach, New York, and like so many teachers across our country, she inspired me and all of my classmates to study hard and dream big. She was part mom, part educator, helping her students realize that anything was possible for us. She picked us up when we were down and pushed us when she knew we could do better.

As a working mom, I’ve always been a big fan of “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day,” and I couldn’t wait to meet everyone’s families at the DNC headquarters this year! I have twins, Rebecca and Jake, who are about to head into high school and my baby girl, Shelby, is nine years old. With them in mind, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about and advocating for policies that will help provide families the opportunity to succeed both at work and at home. This is personal for me.

Ninety percent of Americans support background checks -- including a majority of gun owners -- but 90 percent of Republicans in the Senate caved to the NRA's lobbying machine and blocked the vote. But we are not backing down. Round two starts now.

In November, women overwhelmingly supported President Obama—and that’s because we knew as women that President Barack Obama has and always will fight for us. This is why on National Equal Pay Day, alongside President Obama, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality and understand that our work is far from finished. Because these issues are not just women’s issues; they are issues for all of our families.

''On this day I join millions of Americans to honor the birthday and legacy of Cesar Chavez. Chavez believed deeply that every individual deserves respect and dignity, that an honest day's work is worth a decent wage, and that the collective power of individuals can bring about real change in our society. Embodying these ideals we as a nation hold dear, Chavez has inspired so many to stand up for their basic rights.''

It's clear that 2012 election didn't usher in a less-extreme Republican Party. As the GOP prepares to vote on the Ryan budget, which gives the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut at the expense of the middle class, it's more important than ever that we stand with President Obama and Democrats to protect our progress and move forward.

Check out this email our chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, just sent to Democrats nationwide, then add your name to show your support.

Friend --

This week, my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives will vote to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax cut paid for by seniors, middle-class families, and students.

This is a wake-up call. Last year's election didn't make the Republicans' policies any less extreme, and it didn't make them any less eager to enact them.

I'm standing with President Obama and my Democratic colleagues to make good on the progress Americans voted for this past November, and I need you to stand with us.

We've accomplished a tremendous amount together over the past four years, but it couldn't be more clear that our opponents will roll all of that progress back if we give them a chance. Let's not give them one.

Let President Obama and other Democrats know that you're with us:

http://my.democrats.org/Stand-with-President-Obama

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

P.S. -- Knowing who we can count on is important. If you're one of those people, please let us know.

It might feel like the next election is miles ahead, but the reality is we're already laying the groundwork for the 2014 and 2016 elections. Our chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, says that it's up to all of us build that foundation. Check out the email she just sent to Democrats across the country, then chip in $5 or whatever you can to make sure we can accomplish everything we've set out to do: from winning elections to legislative battles.

Friend --

I know that I've come to you many times asking for your help.

I also know that these appeals can get a little tiresome -- and that things may seem less urgent now that we're not on the cusp of a presidential election.

But believe me, the money we raise today is critically important. We're laying the groundwork today for the 2014 midterms and the 2016 presidential election, and for the many battles between now and then. What we do now to educate voters might be the difference between whether or not we win those battles.

Donate $5 or more today to lay a strong foundation for the future.

We've got ambitious goals for the coming months and years. We have legislative battles to win on reforming immigration, reducing gun violence, and protecting the middle class. And we want to take back the House in 2014 and keep control of the Senate.

But without the resources we need ahead of these fights, there's no chance that we'll be able to accomplish everything we have set out to do.

It's up to all of us to step up and do everything we can to build our foundation now. Donate $5 or more today to help us fight:

http://my.democrats.org/Lay-the-Foundation

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

Chip in