LEGISLATIVE INFO

2009 - 2010 BPW/PA LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

PREAMBLE

The members of the Pennsylvania Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (BPW/PA) pledge to support specific legislation and policy that addresses the issues of civil rights, health and economic opportunity. BPW/PA members will maintain a pro-active position by identifying, supporting and lobbying elected officials and candidates for public office who introduce and support legislation and policy that will advance the BPW/PA Legislation Platform.

ITEM I – CIVIL RIGHTS

Actively work to educate and support equal rights for women in ALL phases of their lives: eliminate abuse of and violence against women and children; support funding for education/training programs that develop standard protocols for the protection of victims/survivors of domestic violence and requires strong penalties for abusers; support legislation that eliminates sexual harassment and employee discrimination and brings ALL laws into conformity with the Equal Rights Amendment of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

ITEM II – HEALTH

Actively work to support legislation that: assesses and promotes ALL women’s health care concerns and access to care, both physical and mental, regardless of age; ensures reproductive choice, education and full access to health care services; ensures funding for research and development of programs which benefit the welfare of women and children; establishes a permanent Office of Women’s Health in Pennsylvania.

ITEM III – ECONOMIC EQUITY

Actively work for and support legislation that: promotes economic equity and financial security including pension reform, retirement benefits and access to credit; provides for the availability of affordable quality elder dependent and child care that ensures self-sufficiency for women; supports welfare reform that aids women in becoming economically self-sufficient; supports affirmative action; provides equal opportunity for women and girls at all stages of their lives and implements the concept of equal pay for work of comparable worth.

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