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| THE WLF VOTE CENTER NOVEMBER 2007 DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWS WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM NATIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE A HUGE SUCCESS. The DNC Women's Leadership Forum hosted its 14th Annual National Issues Conference, 'What Women Want and How to Get it in 08,' October 18-19 in Washington, DC. Speakers included DNC Chairman Howard Dean, Emmy-Award winning actress and political activist Alfre Woodard, and numerous Democratic Party leaders and elected officials, including Senators Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota and Claire McCaskill from Missouri. More than 300 women from across the country attended the conference to discuss women leading the way as we take back the White House. We were fortunate to have many dynamic and nationally recognized speakers from around the country provide their expertise in areas of national security, elections, legislative initiatives and, of course, the importance of the women's vote. Celinda Lake , President of Lake Research Partners presented her data about the role of women in electing Democrats. For a copy of her research, please send an email to grosfelds@dnc.org. IN CONGRESS WE MUST LET VICTIMS OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT KNOW WE CARE. The Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act (H.R. 464) would provide emergency contraception to victims of rape and sexual assault. This legislation would require that hospitals provide unbiased and factually accurate information about emergency contraception to all victims. In addition, the hospital must promptly offer and provide the contraception if requested. The act states that the services described could not be denied because of the inability of the woman or her family to pay for the services. As an incentive, hospitals would have to meet all three criteria if they wish to receive federal Medicare of Medicaid funding. This legislation, sponsored by Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and 93 cosponsors, would help prevent the trauma of an unintended pregnancy for victims of rape or sexual assault. It is unfortunate that these measures are not already the norm in our hospitals. The American College of Emergency Physicians in alliance with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stated that the measures in this act "should be the standard of care," for victims of these crimes. Not only does this legislation call for easily accessible E.C., it would increase awareness about the safety and proven effectiveness of contraceptives such as Plan B. The National Organization for Women (NOW) supports this legislation and urges women everywhere to contact their Senators and Representatives. NOW notes that emergency contraceptives can be taken within 72 (and up to 120) hours after a sexual assault. This means that the sooner it is administered to victims the greater the likelihood of preventing pregnancy. Other groups in support of the CARE Act include NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood International, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Feminist Majority Foundation. Take action today by visiting www.democrats.org and hit the "action" link at the top of the page to urge support of this legislation. NATIONAL ISSUES BUSH VETOES CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE BILL. The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that has been providing healthcare to uninsured children for the last 10 years expired on September 30, 2007. SCHIP was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to fund children who are not eligible for Medicare as well as uninsured children. SCHIP has provided $20 billion to provide insurance for children over the last 10 years. Senate Democrats passed this bi-partisan legislation 69 to 39. However, President Bush vetoed the bill, denying healthcare for millions of our nation's children. But Democrats are trying again since we are the Party that does not turn our backs on the welfare of children. BUSH DEMANDS MORE MONEY FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ. Bush asked for $46 billion last month for the counteroffensive strategy in Iraq. This money would provide for the 28,000 additional troops that Bush did not account for in the proposed 2008 budget. The request should come as no surprise, considering the $330 billion he has already spent in Iraq, and the $78 billion spent in Afghanistan according to a report by the Pentagon. Bush has no plan to end the civil war in Iraq but prefers to stay the course and add to our increasing budget deficit. We need a Democratic president who will provide the leadership and vision to bring our troops home. TAKE ACTION TO STOP THE VIOLENCE IN BURMA. Dozens of women's organizations and Human Rights advocacy groups have declared Burma (Myanmar) an international crisis and rallied for an international peacekeeping force. Go to www.democrats.org and hit the "action" link at the top of the page to write a letter to the editor urging the president to increase this peacekeeping force, which is essential for the consolidation of a democratic government, the restoration of women's rights, and the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian assistance. Amnesty International USA has called for the unconditional release of Ma Khin Khin Leh, a political prisoner in Myanmar. She was arrested in 1999 for staging a peaceful demonstration. Ma Khin Khin Leh, a mother, activist, and school teacher was sentenced to life in prison. She is a special focus case this week for Amnesty International. IN ADDITION, FOR FURTHER LEGISLATIVE UPDATES, PLEASE VISIT DEMOCRATS.ORG/WOMEN . YOU CAN ALSO PROVIDE FEEDBACK THROUGH THE WLF BLOG. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU! ELECTION UPDATE START TALKING TO YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT THE 08 ELECTION. It is never too early to encourage your friends and neighbors to vote for Democrats up and down the ticket in next year's elections. Grassroots leaders and activists like you will take back the White House in 2008. Contact your state party and volunteer to become a neighborhood leader, responsible for contacting at least 25 of your neighbors at least three times between now and the presidential election. WOMEN WOMEN WANT SHORTER WORK DAYS, MORE FREE TIME, AND ARE IN NEED OF A VACATION. Results are in and the U.S. Department of Labor's review is not looking too good for women. One in five women only take a vacation once every six years, which is predicted to contribute to depression. In addition to promoting good mental health, women who take frequent vacations reported better sleep, better marriages, and were less likely to be tense or depressed. The U.S. Department of Labor's Monthly Labor Review notes that women would prefer shorter work days, even if it meant less pay. Almost six percent of men would like to work fewer hours, and 10.1 percent of women would prefer the shorter work days. Twice as many women feel they would like less time in the office, which may be due to women's disproportionate share of household responsibilities. Other researches attributed the gap to a desire among women to spend more time with their children. Another study conducted by the Sociology Department at Ohio State University found that women feel more rushed than men. While men report feeling relaxed when they had free time, women still feel rushed. Mothers seem to experience the most pressure from housework and children. Liana Sayer, co-author of the study said, "The meanings of free time for men's and women's lives are quite different. Especially for wives and mothers, it appears free time is still combined with other activities or responsibilities." Interestingly, married women with children were twice as likely to feel rushed than single women without children. But men who are married with children do not feel any more rushed than single men without children. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Protecting America from terrorism requires more than just resolve, it requires a plan. As we have seen in Iraq, planning is not the Bush Administration's strong suit."- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House. | ||||
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