March Toward Equality For Women

Dear Friend,

A little over a century ago, women were fighting for their right to vote in the United States. Since then, we have made several advances in improving the lives of women and families, and I am honored to have been a part of making some of the most recent strides. Yet significant challenges and systemic inequalities still persist.

During Women's History Month, we commemorated the enormous contributions women have made and continue to make to our country. Throughout our history women have played critical roles in moving our country forward and fighting back against injustice. The present time is no different.

Women nationwide struggle to provide for their loved ones without paid leave and cannot find affordable and accessible childcare. Women deserve full and equal protection under the law. That's why, as your Senator, I have continued to fight for equal pay for women, reproductive rights, paid sick leave, quality childcare, and raising the minimum wage, so that we can build stronger families and communities in New Mexico. I am also cosponsoring the Senate Joint Resolution that would eliminate the time limit for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). It is long past time to end discrimination on the basis of sex and to add the ERA to the U.S. Constitution.

During my time in Congress, I also helped pass the Lilly Ledbetter Act, fought to include and defend important provisions for women's health in the Affordable Care Act, supported legislation to hold the military and universities accountable for reporting and responding to sexual violence, and continued efforts to reduce domestic violence with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. I'm honored to have been part of making some these most recent strides in the march toward full equality for women.

I am proud of the many contributions women in New Mexico and across the country make everyday to create a more fair and just world for our children and all future generations. Together, we will continue the fight for equality and strengthen the economic security of all working families. Sincerely,

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator