Week of May 12, 2005
Pelosi brings Democrats together to strategize on Social Security
In an effort to stave off President Bush's push to privatize Social Security, a plan that will disproportionately harm women, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) joined a group of strong Democratic women on Tuesday to draw attention to the effects privatization would have on women. The meeting marks the first event in a long-term plan to build opposition to private accounts.
"Fresh out of Mother's Day...we're ready for the fight," Pelosi said at the panel.
The Democratic representatives, nine women and one man, focused their discussion on families, children, and women in the workforce. EMILY's List women were well represented at the conference, including Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.).
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) also voiced her concerns about Bush's Social Security proposal last month during the "30-something hour," congressional time dedicated to discussion among the younger members of the U.S. House. Schultz, 38, drew attention to a new report by Social Security and Medicare trustees that predicts disastrous insolvency for Medicare years before the Social Security trust fund is forecast to run out. Attempting to refocus the debate and set national priorities straight, Schultz noted that the more immediate problem for America's seniors is Medicare.
Gregoire signs off on sweeping environmental protections
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed seven bills designed to conserve environmental resources and develop alternative energy sources. Among the measures she approved Friday include raising Washington's car emissions standards to match those of California, currently the strongest in the nation. It is estimated that the new laws will lower emissions from cars and light trucks by 25 percent, and reduce emissions from SUVs and larger trucks by 18 percent.
These new emissions standards will go into effect in 2009; by 2016, all new cars, SUVs, and light trucks registered in Washington state will be required to meet the heightened standards.
Gregoire, former director of Washington's Department of Ecology, called the measure "one of the single most important pieces of environmental legislation we've had in a long time." She noted in particular the health benefits these new standards will offer to children and the elderly.
Currently in Washington state, cars and trucks produce 80 percent of all air toxic emissions, and U.S. automobile companies lag behind foreign manufacturers in creating environmentally friendly and innovative technologies. This measure will compel U.S. automakers to catch up to reach consumers in Washington state -- and set an example for other states to follow.
Anti-choice legislators fail to override Sebelius's veto of abortion bill
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius's veto of a bill that would impose unusually stringent regulations on abortion clinics was upheld after anti-choice legislators failed to round up enough votes for an override. The House fell two votes short of overriding Sebelius's veto April 28th, which means the bill will not go to the Senate, where anti-choice forces had higher hopes of success.
Sebelius spoke out against the legislature's efforts to override her veto, saying anti-choice Republicans elevated partisan politics above "good policy." According to Sebelius, medical professionals -- not lawmakers -- should set standards for abortion clinics.
Washington seeks Schwartz's state Senate seat
Pennsylvania State Rep. LeAnna Washington's campaign for state Senate will come to an end next Tuesday, when residents of the fourth district vote to fill the seat left vacant by U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz.
Washington, a Philadelphia resident and 12-year veteran of the state House, faces Republican Ron Holt, who mounted an unsuccessful challenge to Schwartz in 2002, receiving 15,231 votes out of the 85,910 cast. Washington has a strong base; the fourth Senate district completely encompasses Washington's House district.
Victory for Washington on May 17 would bring the number of Democratic women in the Pennsylvania Senate to five.