Local action leads to New York policies that support women and people of color.

Did you know that the recent groundbreaking NYS Salary Transparency Law succeeded because of local government? New York City, Ithaca, and Albany and Westchester Counties passed similar local laws first.Those local laws demonstrated to state leaders the widespread support for a new idea: Require employers to post salary ranges so jobseekers can negotiate fairer salaries and businesses can efficiently hire and retain employees. That game changing policy went into effect for New York employers with four or more employees on September 17, 2023.

Let’s make sure our newly elected officials prioritize issues critical to women like equal pay, ending violence against women, providing quality child care, protecting reproductive rights, and more. 

Questions for Candidates and Possible Local Actions:

The ongoing gender wage and opportunity gap financially impairs women, especially women of color. What will you do to increase wage parity in our community?

• Conduct a town/city/county pay audit to uncover wage inequities.
• Encourage local businesses to follow New York’s equal pay laws, i.e. posting salary ranges in job listings and on window signs.
• Create a plan of action to solve any uncovered problems. 

Violence against women and girls occurs in every community. What will you do to reduce gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, and how will you support survivors?

• Pass local anti-harassment laws.
• Provide trainings for citizens and police.
• Welcome safe houses into your community.

How can our town/city/county encourage more women to participate in leadership opportunities in government and other fields?

• Create equitable representation by seeking an equal number of women on all committees, boards and commissions.
• Hold information sessions for citizens about participating in government, with special outreach to women’s groups.
• Reach out specifically to women of color to increase representation of marginalized groups.

Reproductive rights remain a high priority for New York voters. What policies can you advance on a local level to support access to women’s healthcare, including abortions?

• Local protections for abortion clinics and providers.
• Public awareness about women’s healthcare including access to abortion care.
• Support and funding for comprehensive sex education. 

Child care and home care remains a daunting obstacle for families and affects women’s success at work? What will you do to support care centers and care workers?

• Create a “Care Taskforce” to uncover and recommend solutions crafted to the community.
• Support child care centers in the community.
• Engage businesses in solving this universal and critical issue.