(NNPA)—It’s time for a change—a new direction for our country. As we head into the Democratic National Convention for the historic nomination of Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States, the failures of the Bush administration have never been more apparent.

During the last eight years we’ve seen skyrocketing energy prices, falling property values, a declining dollar and stagnant wages for the American worker. It is time for us to fix the economic mess of the last eight years. These challenges require bold solutions and a new vision and policies that reflect the values of working families. And, let’s be clear, we cannot afford four more years of the same failures.

On the economy, we must create an economic plan that ties short-term growth to long-term economic development, jobs and stability. We need an economic vision that reinvests in our infrastructure and in 21st century energy solutions in order to make green jobs good jobs. We must ensure that the minimum wage is a living wage so that working families can keep pace with inflation and workers can realize the American dream for which they work so hard. We deserve quality, affordable and accessible health care. Too many of our families juggle too much—choosing between health care and child care, between paying rent or mortgages and putting food on the table. We must give workers—all workers—the right to fight for themselves: for good jobs, fair wages, health care and safe working conditions.

As we move into the final months leading up to the November election, we must make certain that every vote does count and will be counted. The upcoming election presents us with stark choices between the past and future. This is a tremendous opportunity to bring about the change we need and deserve. By registering to vote, volunteering to reach out to your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and voting, together we can really make this change happen.

In closing, I want to take a moment to honor my colleague and a true champion for justice, the late congresswoman from Ohio, Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was a courageous and vibrant champion for the rights of African-Americans, women and workers—the most vulnerable among us. It is time for each of us to do our part to honor her legacy and our ancestors by bringing that same fighting spirit to turn this historic moment into a reality for all Americans.

(Donna Edwards is the Democratic representative from Maryland.)