Lexington's Green Party presidential hopeful Jill Stein broke new ground last week by becoming the first Green to qualify for federal matching funds.

Stein, an Occupy supporter running on the promise of a Green New Deal for America, responded to that breakthrough with a video message thanking supporters and speaking about what his milestone means for the progressive movement and Green Party.  

“This is such and exciting moment for the Green Party,” Stein said in the address. “This is the first time in history that a member of the Green Party has actually achieved matching funds in the race for President of the United States.”

Stein credited “dogged dedication” for more than doubling the number of qualifying states to get from 10 to 22 and over the 20 state threshold in the week leading up to the deadline.

“It says so much about the party that we now have the determination, the breadth of our networks and the conviction that people will step up to the plate and contribute that we made it to the $5,000 threshold in each of 22 states,” she said. "This means we'll have the resources to actually get on the ballot in practically every state. We hope to offer at least 90 percent of voters the option to walk into the voting both and not simply have choices for the politics of war and Wall Street; we are putting another chioce on the ballot, which is the politics for people, peace and the planet."

Read more about Stein's Campaign for President.