FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2013
Landover, MD – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) toured a child care center and hosted a forum today on what “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families” means for women and families in Maryland. The forum also featured first-hand accounts from Maryland women discussing their experiences fighting for affordable child care, equal pay, and a critical work-life family balance.
“When Women Succeed, America Succeeds…” is an actionable legislative agenda that recognizes the critical role women play in America’s workforce. Almost half of all workers are women and 40 percent of working women are the primary breadwinners in their families. The pay, child care and work-family balance policies are necessary to address the economic insecurities of American women and their families, while also providing a boost to the nation’s economy.
“Today's child care center tour and forum highlighted that quality, affordable child care is critical to preparing children for later learning while allowing mothers to pursue their own careers,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds recognizes that child care and other work-family balance policies help women and families by growing our economy for everyone. I want to thank Leader Pelosi and Senator Mikulski for joining me here today and for never tiring in the fight for women.”
"For women and families it's about macro issues and macaroni and cheese issues. From access to quality and affordable health care to safe and reliable child care and equal pay for equal work" said Senator Mikulski, Dean of the Senate women. "I'm proud to stand with the women of Prince George's County and will continue to fight for Maryland women and families leading healthy lives with a brighter future for their children."
"The remarkable women at today's forum provide the clearest perspective on the challenges facing women in Maryland and across our country, but they are blessed to have tireless champions in Congresswoman Donna Edwards and Senator Barbara Mikulski," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. "By enacting a policy agenda the ensures equal pay, promotes work and family balance, and provides affordable child care, we will unleash the power of America’s women and help guarantee that future generations will enjoy our country’s promise of equal rights, equal treatment, and equal opportunity. When women succeed, America succeeds."
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To watch the forum on CSPAN, please click here.
