Monday, February 28, 2011

Representative Mike Pence and His Anti-Women Agenda


The anti-women agenda pushed by the right has gone too far. Rep. Mike Pence and the US Catholic Bishops are in cahoots to keep women barefoot and pregnant. Rep. Pence has declared barring federal funds for an abortion is his top priority. He does not get it. In attempts to appease the "right to life" movement, he is alienating Americans who agree if pregnancy complications arise, saving a woman's life is the top priority. House Bill 358, often called the "Let Women Die" bill will give "blessing" to any emergency room that lets a pregnant woman die rather perform an abortion that could save her life. Rep. Pence will be running for Governor in 2012. Are we going to stand up to him, or let his anti-women agenda flourish?

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Save Roe Now!

NOW members didn’t forget the Roe v. Wade Anniversary.

“A Toast to Roe” was held at the Aristocrats Wednesday evening for a night of food, friends and fun. “It was a good time to be with feminists friends on this important day” said NOW member Robin Olds. NOW also hosted a “Rock for Roe” party at the Brass Ring on the day of the Anniversary. NOW member Ashley Plummer participated in this event and commented “It was a great group of like-minded individuals to celebrate the day. Thanks to our mothers and grandmothers, we have a choice for reproductive health”. Katie Blair also hosted “Rock for Roe”.

NOW will continue the celebrations next year.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

2011 Legislative Agenda

It will be a rough session for fellow feminists. A state Republican majority in all three branches makes it difficult to pass a female friendly bill. The Republicans have decided to make social issues a priority even during this budget year. Reproductive rights, gay marriage ban and de-funding Planned Parenthood are up for grabs. The Indianapolis Star put it succinctly-- this session should focus on finances, not wedge issues. Is this the beginning of a “truce” or politics as usual?

Nationally, the good news is repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy passed in the lame duck session. Other battles brewing include debt reduction cuts that will affect women and families and possibly increasing the retirement age. Indiana has only 3 out of 9 Democratic House members. The two Senate seats belong to Republicans.

Contact your legislator and make your voice heard! You can find out the names of legislator(s) by going to www.in.gov/sos.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Legislative Update

On November 2nd, Hoosiers will vote at the polls. The result of this election is crucial to further the NOW agenda. Our endorsed candidates were vocal in support of NOW legislative Issue in the last 2 sessions. We express our thanks to these legislators, but more importantly we need to re-elect these candidates. NOW looks forward to working with our winning candidates in January.

Please vote in November. My philosophy has always been if you don't cast your vote, you don't have the right to complain.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Girls and Women Sports Day

On February 9th, Representative Mary Ann Sullivan introduced a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing Indiana Girls and Women Sports Day and called upon Hoosiers to recognize the important role athletics play in the development of girls and women throughout Indiana. Senator Sue Errington was a Senate sponsor of the Resolution.

Representative Peggy Welch read a moving letter from former Senator Birch Bayh, a champion of Title IX legislation.

Legislators and the public received "Women Athletes Rock" stickers, posters for National Girls and Women Sports Day and power bars with the NOW logo. The Indiana Fever and the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Center received copies of the resolution.
2010 House Resolution

"Indiana Girls and Women in Sports"

Whereas (Feb 9h) Girls and Women's Sports Day recognize female athlete sport achievements and provide equality for girls and women participating in sporting events,

Whereas women and girls have a rich tradition of sports, and should be honored with continuing support for sports equality and increased access in the State of Indiana,

Whereas female athletics help women and girls bolster their confidence and increase leadership skills regardless of background,

Whereas women and girls create bonds through athletics that assist in breaking down the barriers of racism and sexism,

Whereas cooperative skill learned by women and girls in sports can help in future lifetime endeavors,

Whereas girls and women develop lifelong habits pursuing excellence in sports and academics with increased opportunities,

We support Indiana Girls and Women Sports and call upon Hoosiers to recognize the important role athletics play in the development of girls and women throughout Indiana.