Legislative Platform 08-09

Resolution
Business and Professional Women/NYS support the Business and Professional Women/USA National Legislative Platform which is established annually for action throughout the year.

Preamble
The Equal Rights Amendment, as authored by Alice Paul, shall stand first, foremost and above all other items which may appear on the national platform of this Federation until equal, legal rights for women and men become guaranteed in the United States Constitution, because all statutory law derives there from.

The Equal Rights Amendment
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

Economic Equity
Ensure pay equity, equal educational and economic opportunities at all stages of life; and promote affordable, quality dependent care to help ensure economic self-sufficiency for women.

Health
Ensure reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health services and education; ensure funds for research into and protections for women’s health care needs; and encourage the development of a national health care policy recognizing the special health care needs of women.

Civil Rights
Ensure equal rights and remedies for women in all phases of their lives; support affirmative action; and eliminate all forms of harassment and violence against women.

Adopted at the 89th Annual State Conference – May 31, 2008
The Legislative Platform shall not be interpreted as limiting BPW/NYS from commenting on, endorsing and/or opposing other legislation.