Office of the Mayor

Hon. Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2013 CONTACT: Alexander Marion Press Secretary (315) 448-8044

MINER ENDORSES WOMENS EQUALITY AGENDA, CALLS FOR SWIFT PASSAGE OF LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION AND PRESERVING REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM
Miner Calls on Albany Leaders to Pass New Laws Putting Roe v. Wade In Statute, Instituting a Paycheck Fairness Act, Fighting Human Trafficking, and Ending Discrimination in the Workplace, Housing, and for Expectant Mothers
SYRACUSE, N.Y. Mayor Stephanie A. Miner has written a letter to the leaders of the New York State legislature and the City of Syracuse delegation urging them to take swift action to pass the Womens Equality Agenda. The ten point legislative package, proposed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in his January State of the State address, will put the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in statute, close loopholes in workplace sexual harassment laws, and end discrimination against domestic violence victims. Today, we are presented with an opportunity to continue our proud, progressive tradition, said Mayor Miner in her letter. The Womens Equality Agenda, proposed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, would put in statute the building blocks for a new generation of womens equality. The letter, sent to bi-partisan leadership of both legislative chambers and members representing the City of Syracuse highlights the progressive history of New York State and calls on the legislature to pass the Womens Equality Agenda urgently. The full text of the letter can be found below:

233 EAST WASHINGTON STREET * SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202 315-448-8005 | www.syrgov.net Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Flickr

Office of the Mayor

Hon. Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2013 CONTACT: Alexander Marion Press Secretary (315) 448-8044

Throughout our history, New Yorkers have been the quintessential leaders on expanding civil rights issues throughout our country. From Seneca Falls to Stonewall, we have been on the forefront of every fight from the abolition of slavery and womens rights to LGBT equality. Today, we are presented with an opportunity to continue our proud, progressive tradition. The Womens Equality Agenda, proposed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, would put in statute the building blocks for a new generation of womens equality. At the heart of the Womens Equality Agenda is the basic concept that when women succeed, our state will thrive. Giving women the opportunity to make their own healthcare decisions and determine how they plan their families is crucial to giving women the ability to plan their careers and maximize their economic potential. Women creating jobs and leading businesses will be crucial to developing an economy for a new New York. Once women are given the chance to plan their careers, to fully realize their potential as economic drivers we must ensure New Yorks workplaces are truly welcoming places to conduct business. Most fundamentally, women must feel safe in their workplaces. As part of this proposal, New York will crack down on sexual harassment in the workplace through closing loopholes ensuring no woman must face cruel treatment at work. Additionally, the Womens Equality Agenda would offer a version of what is known nationally as the Paycheck Fairness Act to prevent women from being fired for comparing paychecks to discover discrimination. Employers will now be required to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and if women are discriminated against in the workplace, they will be able to recover attorneys fees in litigation. These critical provisions are not the end of the Womens Equality Agenda; they are just the beginning. The proposal goes further to strengthen human trafficking law, end source of income discrimination in housing, and most importantly stand up for victims of domestic violence. The Womens Equality Agenda would simplify the process for attaining an order of protection from a partner. Furthermore, it will prohibit landlords from imposing zero-tolerance policies and evicting women who are victims of domestic violence. As Mayor, I have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of women of all races, classes, orientations, and backgrounds on a daily basis. I hear stories of their experiences from yesterday
233 EAST WASHINGTON STREET * SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202 315-448-8005 | www.syrgov.net Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Flickr

Office of the Mayor

Hon. Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2013 CONTACT: Alexander Marion Press Secretary (315) 448-8044

and how it affects them today Most importantly, I meet the daughters of Syracuse. I am always most excited to hear their expectations for tomorrow. It is incumbent upon the leaders of New York to do whatever they can to advance this legislation to give these young girls a better New York. We owe it to our history and we owe it to the daughters of our state. Sincerely, Stephanie A. Miner Mayor

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233 EAST WASHINGTON STREET * SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202 315-448-8005 | www.syrgov.net Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Flickr