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PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT

It has been quite a busy year for the CFBPW Public Policy Committee. Much of
our effort was directed to planning the 64 Annual Conference, held in Burbank in
th
February.

Our Public Policy Conference featured speakers on a variety of topics related to the
issues that affect working women, including reproductive health care, prevention
of gun violence, the ERA and gender wage equity. At our Legislator of the Year
Luncheon, we honored State Senator Maria Elena Durazo. The agenda also
included a women’s history film, written and produced by Amanda Owen, a
member of Pennsylvania BPW.

An important part of the conference agenda in even-numbered years is developing
a proposed two-year Public Policy Statement. Please be sure to read the draft
document before the CFBPW Annual Conference. At this meeting, all attendees
will have the opportunity to make additional recommendations and vote on the
final adoption. Three focus issues were also proposed at the Public Policy
Conference and final adoption will take place at the Annual Conference.

Our bill screening committee, Elaine Aftergut, Elaine Sierra, Shaaron Casey and
Chair Sally McMahon, have worked diligently throughout the year, looking at
proposed legislation that includes the issues in our Public Policy Statement.

Again, this year we have actively participated in the California Work and Family
Coalition. Elaine Sierra served as our liaison for the Coalition’s Zoom meetings
and Rosemary Enzer attended the in-person meeting in Oakland last fall. Members
of our team participated in the Advocacy Day lobbying sponsored by the Coalition.
When the Coalition testifies or sends letters of support to the state legislature for
bills supported by our Screening Committee, CFBPW’s name is listed along with
other organizations. Membership in the Coalition has given us a voice in
Sacramento that has been missing for quite some time.

As CFBPW Public Policy Chair, I wish to extend my thanks to all our club and
district Public Policy chairs. Every district and most clubs had an active member
in that position. Your input and your participation are greatly appreciated. Thank
you for being part of the team!

Rosemary Enzer
CFBPW Public Policy Chair