The Democrats Abroad Global Progressive Caucus (proDA) is excited to announce that Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA) passed a resolution in support of a 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

The 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights resolution affirms that all Americans have:

• the right to a job that pays 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 a meaningful endowment of 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.

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. The purpose was to create measurable goals for lawmakers to improve the quality of life in the United States. 

Redeeming and expanding upon FDR’s vision has become all the more urgent in light of today’s challenges to democracy and systemic economic, social, and racial injustice.

“Since FDR’s time, the movements for labor rights, civil rights, women’s, student’s, LGBTQ+, environmental, and other rights have pushed the agenda with impressive victories. As we all know, often with painful clarity, much work remains. proDA strives to unite with all whose goal it is to continue and finish that work now,” said proDA Chair Bruce Murray, a DPCA voting representative in Austria.

“Democrats haven’t done enough and need to take action without delay wherever they can to protect Americans from an unfettered private sector,” added proDA Vice Chair Sue Alksnis, a DPCA voting representative in Canada. “A 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights would guarantee all people residing in the United States the right to the essentials of a good life.”

proDA is thrilled that Democrats Abroad has followed in the footsteps of Democratic state parties in Arizona, Massachusetts, and West Virginia in embracing a 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights. The New Hampshire State House has also advanced related legislation. 

We encourage other state parties, lawmakers, and candidates to endorse this winning recipe for success in 2024 and beyond!

To learn more about the growing movement for a 21st-Century Economic Bill of Rights, see the recording from our recent discussion with University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Professor Emeritus Harvey J. Kaye, Progressive Democrats of America Executive Director Alan Minsky, and West Virginia Democratic Party Executive Committee Member Troy N. Miller.

ProDA - Progressive Caucus of Democrats Abroad
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