In The News

By Katie Orr

The caucus is focusing on bills that they say support equal pay, access to childcare, creating family-friendly workplaces and addressing poverty. Democratic Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson chairs the caucus. She says she’s been fighting for some of these issues for decades and that it’s time to act.

"Women are absolutely critical to a strong and vibrant economy and we are at an important juncture for California and California women," she says, "a place where we can both make a difference and recognize that a difference needs to be made."

The bills include a measure that creates more state subsidized child care slots. The caucus is also asking for an additional $600 million in this year’s budget for the child care system.

By Gabrielle Karol

Politics Blog By Melody Gutierrez

The California Legislative Women’s Caucus announced a package of bills Tuesday aimed at improving the lives of working women by requiring employers to justify pay gaps among male and female employees and increase state-subsidized child care by $600 million.

The bills would also create more stability in work schedules and eliminate a rule that prohibits additional CalWORKS benefits for children born while a family is already receiving welfare assistance.

Lawmakers said the bills are needed to address the changing economic roles of women, who make up half of the state’s workforce, but who typically earn less than their male coworkers and struggle to find affordable childcare.

By Patrick McGreevy

Democratic members of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus on Tuesday announced a package of legislation aimed at providing pay equity on the job, expanding access to child care, creating family-­friendly workplaces and addressing poverty.

“Women continue to increase our role and our impact on our economy,” Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D­ - San Diego) said at a Capitol news conference. “It’s vital we pursue the policies that help ensure opportunity and equality. These actions will help more California woman not only participate in the economic recovery but also in building our economic future.”