Another great meeting!

Last night was a great meeting, and we welcome the three new women who joined! A wrap up on what was covered:
1. End of Session Wrap Up: Feminist Democrats had some great wins but substantial losses in CA this year. Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 119 (banning gender discrimination in health insurance pricing), into law – a big but welcome surprise. The Fem Dems advocated for his support. However, he vetoed legislation to help secure justice for women who are victims of sexual assault by requiring jurisdictions to account for untested rape kits, citing “costs.” In the budget arena, Schwarzenegger eliminated the California Department of Public Health's Domestic Violence Program's $20.4 million budget with a line item veto. BUT…State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco introduced a bill that would restore $16.3 million for the program by taking money from another fund. Yesterday that bill was signed into law, but only after six of the state’s 94 shelters were already closed.

2. Fem Dems to Support Marriage Equality: On Wednesday, Oct. 28th we’ll be phoning at a California Equality phone bank to support the battle going on in Maine right now. We can help keep a Prop. 8 disaster from happening in another state! Details: Thursday 10/29/2009 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM - EQCA Canvass Office, 1722 J Street, Sacramento.

3. Learn How to Get Appointed to a Board or Commission! This FREE workshop, hosted by California Women Lead, will guide you through the appointments process. Let’s get more women in these crucial decision-making positions that are stepping stones for other opportunities! Details: Thursday, November 5th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm @ Whitney Oaks Golf Club, 2305 Clubhouse Drive, Rocklin. Email me at amber.maltbie@gmail.com for details about car-pooling.

4. Future Speakers/Workshops: What topics are relevant and of interest to you as a feminist? Please let us know what you would like to hear about from a speaker, and we can set up guests for future meetings. Would you like to hear from a communications expert about the damaging ways women are betrayed in the media? Or learn about negotiating as a woman in the workforce? Please send an email to Hatzune and Hatzune@gmail.com with your suggestions for future meetings.