You’ve probably already heard the news that the legislative session ended without the passage of the omnibus Women’s Equality Act, again. Despite that disappointing outcome, I’d like to report that our equal pay campaign has tangibly shifted the dialogue around economic fairness for women. In every conversation with legislators equal pay legislation was discussed as an imperative not only to satisfy public opinion, but also as an economic essential for families and for New York. This progress is a result of our work and your advocacy. So, while we have yet to pass the laws New Yorkers want and need, we are positioned for success in the future. Our prize is not in hand, but it is in sight.
Another positive development was Monday’s White House Summit on Working Families reported on below. I was so proud to represent the Equal Pay Coalition NYC and NYS PowHER at this national conversation. We are absolutely on the right track, and we have colleagues and leaders across the country similarly dedicated to changing America for women and families.With so much momentum around our issues, you can stay up-to-date this summer by going to NYSPowHER.org for daily postings and a great weekly round-up. If you can spare a few hours, please volunteer for the July 17 Day of Action to publicize NYC’s new paid leave law. Hope you have a great summer and time to relax and refuel for the work ahead!
Beverly Neufeld,
Director Equal Pay Coalition NYC
See below for the statement from the Women’s Equality Coalition statement on the 2014 Legislative Season:
The Women’s Equality Coalition is deeply disappointed that once again our lawmakers have failed to prioritize women and have allowed yet another legislative session to come to a close without passing the Women’s Equality Act to safeguard rights for all New York’s mothers sisters daughters and wives.
Despite this failure, the hard work of all our members and advocates, and the tireless push by those legislators who have steadfastly supported the bill has made a big difference. Anyone who advocates for social justice knows you have to be in it for the long haul.
We will continue to push for what we know New York State’s women and families deserve – a complete package of legislation that addresses the many areas where women today face discrimination and barriers to equality including access to housing, safety, health care and work.
Our efforts have resulted in real gains. Thanks to the work of our Coalition it is now very clear to the public, and to every lawmaker, that the Women’s Equality Coalition is united, focused, and will not stop until we achieve all the necessary protections for women. We have a lot to be proud of as a Coalition.
- We are now a powerful statewide and unified voice with the singular message that women need and deserve equality and social justice.
- The consensus among our members that we need a full package of civil rights legislation denies lawmakers who oppose us any excuse to fail to act next year.
- We’ve reaped a clear payoff from our grassroots advocacy and education campaigns reflected in new polling showing that 84% of New Yorkers support the full WEA package.
We will continue our efforts and connect with everyone this summer to discuss future strategy.
The view from Albany is optimistic and the opportunities boundless. Our work has made a difference and we owe it to the women of New York to keep pushing. We can move forward in partnership-together, within our own organizations, and with our legislative partners, to achieve our common goal – the passage of the Women’s Equality Act to ensure that women and families can grow, prosper and thrive in New York State.