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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 10, 2020 04:15 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joanna E. McClinton |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Celebrating Women in Public Office Day |
| Every March, we celebrate “Women’s History Month” and take the time to look back and honor the many achievements of women throughout history. One of the most significant accomplishments that women have made historically is their success in the political arena. As such, I will once again be introducing a resolution designating March 19, 2020 as “Celebrating Women in Public Office Day” in Pennsylvania. In 2018, women made historic gains in legislatures throughout the country and in the U.S. Congress. In fact, a record 117 women were elected to Congress, making 2018 the “Year of the Woman.” The past few years have seen more women filing to run, more women becoming party nominees for the House, Senate and gubernatorial races, more women running for President and more women winning than ever before. Since 1971, the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled. This is something to be celebrated! Yet there is much more work that needs to be done to achieve full gender representation in government. In Pennsylvania, although women comprise 51% of the population; they only occupy 26% of elected state House and Senate seats. These numbers are consistent nationally. A democracy requires ample representation of all citizens. This includes diverse populations of women. It is imperative that we continue to encourage, recognize and support the inclusiveness of women in public office. When women stand up and run for office, we send a message to all the little girls out there that anything is possible. It is for these reasons and more that I am encouraging all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many accomplishments that women are making in the political arena by co-sponsoring this important resolution. In addition to Pennsylvania, similar efforts have passed in 17 other state legislatures, according to the National Foundation for Women Legislators. |
Memo Updated: March 10, 2020 04:16 PM