ERA
 
The traditional assumption that males held rights and females must prove that they hold them must forever be laid to rest.  It is particularly unsettling that the United States of America holds our democracy up for the world to model, yet has not made an effort to assure equal rights for the women in our own society.  By working in coalition with other like-minded organizations, BPW/FL will continue to support the passage of the ERA.

ECONOMIC EQUITY, OPPORTUNITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

For over four decades, since the passage of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women continue to earn a lower wage than men for equal labor.  Women in Florida rank 6th from the top nationally, still earning only 77¢ to a man’s dollar.  In recent surveys, a full 87% of working women say equal pay is important, with 51% saying it is very important!  The women surveyed further said they believe legislation should protect those who suspect wage discrimination from employer retaliation for discussing salary information with co-workers.  BPW/FL will continue efforts to secure both national and state Equal Pay legislation. 

80% of all working women think it is either very or somewhat important that stronger affirmative action laws are passed to provide more opportunities for all women.  It is vitally important for economic self sufficiency, that women have access to more of the local, state and federal contracting dollars.  Women represent only 22% (9 of 40) and 23% (28 of 120) of the State Senate and House, respectively.  Until women are represented equally by our 52% population majority, we cannot expect to reach economic parity or equality.

A large number of baby boomers are moving closer to retirement age and may be facing personal financial risk during retirement.  In response, many policymakers and retirement planning experts are raising questions about the adequacy of traditional sources of retirement income.  As the country considers these issues, it is important to recognize that women face an even greater risk than men of experiencing a dramatic decline in their standard of living in retirement.

EDUCATION

Research concludes that employment wage rate gaps between men and women narrow with increasing levels of education.  BPW/FL will lobby and educate our legislature and communities to provide adequate funding for Florida’s public schools and universities, competitive salaries for our teachers and/or instructors, aggressive instructional staff recruitment and retention efforts, and adequate building facilities. 

HEALTH CARE

We recognize that reproductive choice and full affordable access to reproductive health services, is essential to ensure opportunities for women.  In the state of Florida, the majority of the working uninsured are women.  We recognize that women experience a greater risk of under-treatment when they have no form of health insurance.  Women constitute a larger percentage of our aging population.  We recognize the need for adequate funding for elder, long-term care – including tax incentives - and research.  We recognize that a major change in the healthcare system needs to be instituted, perhaps something as radical as universal health.