Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reacts to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union
In just a single Congress, we’ve made more progress on climate and gun violence legislation than in the past 30 years with the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. And we’ve continued to make progress towards an AIDS-free generation as we mark the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the below statement on Wednesday following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to Congress:
Last night, our nation and the world saw President Biden outline the historic, unprecedented progress we have made over the past two years with a Democratic government.
We should all take time to celebrate this progress, especially considering the state of our nation when Biden took office. In just two years, we’ve created 12 million jobs—more than any other president has created in four years. Unemployment is down to its lowest level in half a century, and real wages—especially in underpaid sectors—are increasing.
Seniors on Medicare can finally stop worrying about outrageous health care costs now that insulin has been capped at $35/month out-of-pocket, and the Affordable Care Act Enrollment is at a record high.

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, Congressman Gregory Meeks (center) and President Joe Biden. (Photo: NBC News / Youtube)
In just a single Congress, we’ve made more progress on climate and gun violence legislation than in the past 30 years with the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. And we’ve continued to make progress towards an AIDS-free generation as we mark the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR.
But as POTUS emphasized in an impassioned call to Congress, we have more work ahead to finish his agenda. The economy still isn’t working for everyone. I applaud the President’s bold call for new taxes on billionaires and stock buybacks; universal childcare, home care, and pre-K; paid sick leave; and bold housing investments—some of the biggest inflationary costs hitting working people.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Lee.
The President also spoke powerfully to the need for reform to our policing system and the racial injustice that plagues our country. From combatting systemic racism to the war on reproductive rights, it is vital that Congress hold the line against Republican extremism and take back our rights.
While these extreme MAGA Republicans attempt to raise taxes and destroy Social Security and Medicare, I look forward to working with the president and my Democratic colleagues to continue delivering for the people of this country in the coming year.

At Leader Jeffries’ #StateoftheUnion reception “with my amazing
Democratic colleagues & guest, Pastor Mike McBride,” said Rep. Lee.
Barbara Lee
WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.
Special to The Post
The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.
The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.
“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”
In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.
About the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.
This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.
Activism
New Oakland Moving Forward
This week, several socially enterprising members of this group visited Oakland to explore ways to collaborate with local stakeholders at Youth Empowerment Partnership, the Port of Oakland, Private Industry Council, Oakland, Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, the Oakland Ballers ownership group, and the oversight thought leaders in the Alameda County Probation Department.

By Post Staff
Since the African American Sports and Entertainment Group purchased the City of Oakland’s share of the Alameda County Coliseum Complex, we have been documenting the positive outcomes that are starting to occur here in Oakland.
Some of the articles in the past have touched on actor Blair Underwood’s mission to breathe new energy into the social fabric of Oakland. He has joined the past efforts of Steph and Ayesha Curry, Mistah Fab, Green Day, Too Short, and the Oakland Ballers.
This week, several socially enterprising members of this group visited Oakland to explore ways to collaborate with local stakeholders at Youth Empowerment Partnership, the Port of Oakland, Private Industry Council, Oakland, Mayor-Elect Barbara Lee, the Oakland Ballers ownership group, and the oversight thought leaders in the Alameda County Probation Department.
These visits represent a healthy exchange of ideas and plans to resuscitate Oakland’s image. All parties felt that the potential to impact Oakland is right in front of us. Most recently, on the back side of these visits, the Oakland Ballers and Blair Underwood committed to a 10-year lease agreement to support community programs and a community build-out.
So, upward and onward with the movement of New Oakland.
Activism
Oakland Post Endorses Barbara Lee
Barbara Lee will be able to unify the city around Oakland’s critical budget and financial issues, since she will walk into the mayor’s office with the support of a super majority of seven city council members — enabling her to achieve much-needed consensus on moving Oakland into a successful future.

As we end the celebration of Women’s History Month in Oakland, we endorse Barbara Lee, a woman of demonstrated historical significance. In our opinion, she has the best chance of uniting the city and achieving our needs for affordable housing, public safety, and fiscal accountability.
As a former small business owner, Barbara Lee understands how to apply tools needed to revitalize Oakland’s downtown, uptown, and neighborhood businesses.
Barbara Lee will be able to unify the city around Oakland’s critical budget and financial issues, since she will walk into the mayor’s office with the support of a super majority of seven city council members — enabling her to achieve much-needed consensus on moving Oakland into a successful future.
It is notable that many of those who fought politically on both sides of the recent recall election battles have now laid down their weapons and become brothers and sisters in support of Barbara Lee. The Oakland Post is pleased to join them.
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