Women's eNews (https://womensenews.org/author/sharon-johnson/)
John McCain, a formidable fundraiser, faces Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick in Arizona, in one of the country’s most expensive Senate races. Meanwhile, the two women bidding for Barbara Boxer’s seat in California are also each raising millions.
If independents and Hispanics help her win, she would be a dramatic change from the incumbent on abortion rights, immigration and wage equity. She would also become Arizona’s first female senator.
It’s not a hot button issue, but the U.S. crisis in caregiving, from children to aged parents, could strengthen the Democratic presumptive nominee’s appeal to independents and the millions of white voters caring for an older adult.
These three issues of particular concern to women are still up for consideration by Democratic voters in the June 7 primaries in California, New Jersey and four other states.
“For decades, unions have fought for livable wages, paid sick leave and other economic issues that benefit all workers, not just union members,” says the president of a nursing union. “Now these issues are front and center in the 2016 presidential campaign.”
Did you know a major public preschool initiative is at stake on Capitol Hill while the campaigns hog all the headlines? A professional budget watcher spots a few key provisions that could help close the wage gap.
The Vermont senator’s $15 federal minimum wage proposal could be a big issue for voters in today’s Democratic primaries who have seen their incomes decline. “The financial pressures on women have been tremendous,” says a researcher in Ohio.
National Nurses United was the principal national proponent of a single payer health plan during 2009 debates on health reform. Now the union is sending pro-Sanders volunteers into 11 states holding primaries and caucuses on March 1.
The law requires that these faith-based facilities, which have proliferated in recent years, to adhere to new standards. If the law survives court challenges, versions of it may pop up in other state legislatures during the coming months.
Planned Parenthood’s backing of the Democratic frontrunner is the first time the organization has endorsed a primary candidate in its 100-year history. NARAL is also making an early move. Both groups say that’s because it’s an extraordinary year.