Reps. Napolitano, Roybal-Allard & Hahn Push Women’s Economic Agenda

(Washington, DC) On Saturday, March 22, 2014, Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), and Janice Hahn (CA-44), held a discussion, When Women Succeed, America Succeeds, promoting an economic agenda for women.

"Women work twice as hard and are still earning less," Napolitano said. "Equal pay would provide needed security and would put more money back into the local economy, which is good for individuals, families, and businesses. Believe in yourselves, mentor other women, and get involved. You need to not only help elect candidates that support these critical women's issues, but write those who do not, and hold them accountable."

"Today nearly half of all workers in America are women, and 40 percent of working women are the primary breadwinners in their families," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. "It is unacceptable that women on average receive 77 cents for every dollar paid to male workers."

"Today, women across the country are facing unprecedented economic insecurity," said Congresswoman Hahn. "Right now, 42 million women and the 28 million children who rely on them are living in poverty or on the brink of poverty. Too many of us in this room know what it means to live paycheck to paycheck and not have the flexibility at work to care for your family."

Over 200 people participated in the forum, which was held at the Council Chambers of the Commerce City Hall. Other speakers included California State Senator Holly Mitchell; Los Angeles City Community College President, Renee D. Martinez; UCLA Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives & Community Relations, Kimberly Freeman; LAANE Executive Director, Patricia Castellanos; and local residents. The discussion focused on the Women's Economic Agenda's three main pillars: Work & Family Balance, Affordable Child Care, and Equal Pay, as well as actions that can be taken to address these issues.

# # #