by Kathi Harper, Co-Chair
Abortion Justice
Although the constitutionally-guaranteed right to an abortion has been systematically under attack for decades, it is currently in danger of disappearing altogether. As AAUW National recently noted, ”Every person should have the ability to make their own informed decisions regarding their reproductive life. It is beyond time for abortion to be secured legally, funded fully, and equitably available for all who need it, when they need it, without shame or stigma.” With the recent refusal of the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the onerous Texas case, it is clear that we can no longer count on the courts to protect this critical right. Congress must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. Watch for Action Alerts from National, use them to keep pressure on your representatives, and sign-up now for the 2-Minute Activist if you haven’t already done so by clicking here https://www.aauw.org/act/two-minute-activist/.
Be sure to let us know if members from your branch participated in the Rally for Abortion Justice on October 2nd, along with Beach Cities, Palos Verdes, San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Alameda, Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista, Los Altos-Mt. View, San Jose and Morgan Hill, and send pictures if you have them to [email protected].
Legislative Updates
Our last five priority bills that were awaiting the Governor’s signature have been acted on, here are the results
SB 62 (requires fair pay, instead of “by the piece” payment, for garment workers) SIGNED
AB 367 (free menstrual products must be provided in girls/women’s bathrooms in schools) SIGNED
AB 887 (allows domestic violence restraining orders to be filed electronically) SIGNED
AB 123 (increases paid family leave benefits to 65 – 75% of regular pay) VETOED
AB 1074 (requires hotel and janitorial workers who have lost their jobs due the pandemic to be prioritized for hiring as businesses reopen) VETOED
Economic Equity
October 21st is Latina Equal Pay Day – the day Latina women, who are paid just 57 cents to every white male’s dollar, finally catch up from the previous year. To help raise awareness, our coalition partner Stronger California is hosting a Latina Equal Pay Day & Essential Women Workers Virtual Summit. If you are interested in joining to learn more and hear from iconic civil rights leader Dolores Huerta as well as California’s First Partner Jennifer Newsome, click HERE to register.