ITEM 1: ERA

The fundamental law of the land is embodied in the Constitution of the United States, and all statutory rights are derived there from. Therefore, the Equal Rights Amendment, as authored by Alice Paul, shall stand first, foremost and above all other items which may appear on the Legislative Platform of this Federation until equal rights for women and men become guaranteed in the United States Constitution.

The Equal Rights Amendment:

“Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

ITEM 2:  Economic Equity, Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency

BPW/FL supports legislation which assists women in obtaining pay equity and equal employment opportunities; promotes opportunities for women-owned businesses; encourages women-owned businesses to compete at the local, state and federal governmental levels; promotes affordable, quality dependent care to help insure economic self-sufficiency for women; and, social security reform options that benefit women.

ITEM 3:  Education

BPW/FL supports legislation that accelerates the progress made in providing higher education for Florida’s women and funding for Florida’s public schools.  We support programs that encourage girls to pursue non-traditional curriculum and provide funding for women’s athletics, comparable to men’s athletic programs.

ITEM 4:  Health Care

BPW/FL supports legislation that ensures reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health services, including prescription contraceptives, and reproductive education; ensures funds for research into and protections for women’s health care needs; and, encourages the development of a state health care plan recognizing the special health care needs of women.  We support alternative care delivery systems to ensure affordable insurance for workingwomen and health care for the elderly.

As our local  Public Policy Chair,  and as BPW Florida Public Policy Chair with a National Focus, I have been working with Andrea Johnson White, BPW  Florida State-focused Policy Chair.  Together and with the support of Susan Banks, BPW Florida President, we have initiated a "Women are Watching Postcard Campaign."   I encourage you to contact our Congressman, Vern Buchanan and our two Senators, Mark Rubio and Bill Nelson to voice your support of women's rights in this year's very important legislative agenda.  Please read this Call to Action, and please Act.

In 1971, the U.S.Congress declared the 26th of August: "Women's Equality Day."  August 26 is the anniversary of the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S.Constitution, which provides that, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex."