Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle; and Tina Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida; EMILYs List President Stephanie Shriock; Jennifer Lawless, Director of the American Women and Politics Institute; and Ann Lewis, former senior advisor to the Hillary Clinton for President campaign.

White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod.]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2010/05/more_photos_fro_1.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2010/05/more_photos_fro_1.php Blog Sat, 08 May 2010 18:46:31 -0500

The first half of today's Women's Leadership Forum event was capped by appearances by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, who have worked closely together on issues from military families to their recent visit to Haiti.

Dr. Biden spoke about her work teaching at a community college, and some of the extraordinary women she’s met who are working to improve their lives and the lives of those around them:

“I am profoundly moved by the women I meet, whether in my travels or in my classroom each day, by their determination to learn, and their quest to make a better life for themselves and their families."

First Lady Michelle Obama then took to the stage, reminding the audience of when she’d last been with the group, at the Women’s Leadership Forum held in Chicago in 2008. The First Lady Lady spoke on what's changed since and what remains the same now:

“The last time we were together, it was back in late October of 2008, and you were all meeting in my hometown, Chicago…A lot has changed since we last met. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed. Back then I talked about the issues that we face—from the economy, to health care, to education. And I said that these issues aren’t and they still aren’t about politics. They’re personal. And they’re personal for every single one of us in this room, and they’re personal for every single one of us in this country.

It’s easy to lose sight of that fact with all the back and forth that goes on here in Washington -- folks yelling at each other on TV so that little things get blown out of proportion and sometimes big, important things don’t always get the attention that they deserve.

But when Barack and I travel the country now and we spend time with ordinary folks, they don’t have much interest in the scorekeeping that goes on here in Washington. They really don’t…

The questions they ask have nothing to do with the daily chatter that goes on here, and it has everything to do with the struggles, the real struggles they’re facing in their lives. They tell us about insurance companies that refuse to pay for the treatment that they need, and they ask us, “What do I do now?” Or they tell us, “I’ve been out of a job for months.” And they ask, “What are you going to do to help folks like me?”

…They are the basis for every decision he makes—not whether it’s good politics, not whether it’s going to make good headlines, but whether it’s good for them and for their families."

The First Lady has made working with young people around the globe a priority, recently taking her first solo international trip to Haiti and Mexico. She told the story of a young woman she had met in Mexico City, and the stories like hers that show how women are the ones leading the fight to improve the world for future generations:

"I’ll never forget about a young woman that I met there named Maricela, who I met at a roundtable discussion with young leaders in Mexico City...Her father had passed away, and her mother -- she told a story of how she worked tirelessly to support her and her four siblings; said her mom was always the first one to wake up in the morning, and the last one to go to bed at night. But she told us about the fact that despite their hardships, her mother was determined to build a better life for her daughter.

...This is a story that is told every day all around the world, and right here in America -- a story about the strength and determination of women. Women who haven’t had much in their own lives, but who know exactly what they want for their children. Women who work those extra shifts, and make those sacrifices, so their daughters –- and their sons –- can have opportunities they never imagined for themselves.

I’m talking about women like Lilly Ledbetter, who kept on fighting for equal pay even when she knew that it was too late for herself, because she wanted something more for the women who came after her...I’m talking about women like Dr. Dorothy Height, one of my heroes -- who kept up the fight for civil and economic rights up through the final months of her life. She once said, “I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as someone who tried.”

And every day, across this country, so many women wake up every day and try -– using everything they have –- to make life a little better for others...and that’s what you all are doing—building a better world for our kids and grand kids. We need you to stay involved. When you need something done and you ask women to do it, it gets done."

After the Governor's welcome, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House Policy Council Director Melody Barnes spoke about what the Obama Administration is doing to provide our children with the best possible education. Secretary Duncan reiterated the President's goal of leading the world in percentage of college graduates by 2020.

And former Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe spoke on Democrats' strategy to engage 2008 first-time voters and build momentum for the upcoming 2010 elections. Plouffe emphasized that person-to-person contact will be a big focus -- with family members, friends, and neighbors working to reconnect with voters who were inspired by President Obama's vision for change.

"I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom...I want to be remembered as someone who tried." - Dr. Dorothy Height

Civil rights legend Dr. Dorothy Height passed away this morning in Washington, D.C. at the age of 98. Dr. Height, President of the National Council of Negro women for 40 years, was one of the most influential women involved in the civil rights movement, and had devoted her life to fighting for equality for African Americans and women.

President Obama released the following statement on the news of Dr. Height's passing:

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height - the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans. Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement - witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched."

The Washington Post reported on some of Dr. Height's life work and accomplishments:

As a civil rights activist, Ms. Height participated in protests in Harlem during the 1930s. In the 1940s, she lobbied first lady Eleanor Roosevelt on behalf of civil rights causes. And in the 1950s, she prodded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to move more aggressively on school desegregation issues. In 1994, Bill Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor...

In the turmoil of the civil rights struggles in the 1960s, Ms. Height helped orchestrate strategy with movement leaders including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, Whitney Young, James Farmer, Bayard Rustin and John Lewis, who later served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia....

In August 1963, Ms. Height was on the platform with King when he delivered his "I have a dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. But she would say later that she was disappointed that no one advocating women's rights spoke that day at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Less than a month later, at King's request, she went to Birmingham, Ala., to minister to the families of four black girls who had died in a church bombing linked to the racial strife that had engulfed the city.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine's Statement On The Passing of Civil Rights Leader Dorothy Height:

“Today, the world lost an iconic figure, a true visionary and drum major for equality and justice. Dr. Height, one of the founding members of the Civil Rights movement, worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Whitney Young, Roy Wilkins, A. Phillip Randolph, Mary McLeod Bethune, and others. She fought tirelessly so that African American women and men would be treated fairly and with dignity. Her efforts on behalf of economic and social justice helped secure desegregation of public schools, equal employment opportunities, greater pay equity for women, equal access to public accommodations, and voting rights for all Americans.

“During her four decades as president of the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Height worked hard to ensure that the causes of freedom and equality remained at the forefront of the American consciousness. For her work, Dr. Height received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, as well as the Congressional Gold medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow.

“Dr. Height’s tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate were a testament to her love and compassion toward her fellow man. Her long and distinguished career improved the lives of countless Americans and her legacy will endure for generations to come. I join Dr. Height’s friends and family in commemorating her lifetime and I offer my condolences on their loss.”

DC Democratic Party Chair Anita Bonds' Statement on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height:

"The District of Columbia Democrats acknowledge the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height, famous, celebrated and outstanding American. Her legacy will live on through the millions of lives she touched during her lifetime of 98 years. During her most active years in the civil rights struggle, the average citizen in the Black community, the President of the United States, and governments across the world, sought her comforting presence, knowledge and wisdom. In recent times, her undying dedication to the call of justice and democracy was exemplified through her love for young people by connecting them to the rich history of their cultures and promises for a bright future through teaching that "you can be what you want to be" with preparation to better yourself -- be it President of the United States, world champion tennis athlete, accomplished college graduate or esteemed family. May Dr. Height rest in peace knowing that her journey has been an inspiration to her nation.”

We are honoring the civil rights activist by remembering when the DC Council presented her with a recognition resolution last year. The recognition took place during the Congressional Black Caucus week in Washington DC at the Park at Fourteenth. See a video and photos of the presentation of the recognition here:

With the passing of Civil Rights activist and feminist Dr. Dorothy Height, CNN’s Ali Velshi and Donna Brazile discuss the next generation of leaders and crusaders. Watch the video here.

Since taking office, President Obama has worked hard to help women address income disparities and close the wage gap.

Less than one month after taking office, the President signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which gives women the authority they need to challenge unfair pay practices. Following the signing, President Obama said:

“Equal pay is by no means just a women's issue -- it's a family issue. It's about parents who find themselves with less money for tuition and child care; couples who wind up with less to retire on; households where one breadwinner is paid less than she deserves; that's the difference between affording the mortgage -- or not; between keeping the heat on, or paying the doctor bills -- or not. And in this economy, when so many folks are already working harder for less and struggling to get by, the last thing they can afford is losing part of each month's paycheck to simple and plain discrimination.

“So signing this bill today is to send a clear message: that making our economy work means making sure it works for everybody; that there are no second-class citizens in our workplaces; and that it's not just unfair and illegal, it's bad for business to pay somebody less because of their gender or their age or their race or their ethnicity, religion or disability; and that justice isn't about some abstract legal theory, or footnote in a casebook. It's about how our laws affect the daily lives and the daily realities of people: their ability to make a living and care for their families and achieve their goals.”

Since then, President Obama has passed historic legislation ranging from the Recovery Act to health reform that will help all Americans – and particularly women – to realize their full potential as workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Today, we hope you’ll join us both in celebrating those victories and in recognizing the hard work still to be done to ensure that no American earns less or is undervalued simply because of their gender or race.

You can find out more information on the conference by visiting http://my.democrats.org/page/content/WLF2010Conference/

From DNC Chairman Tim Kaine:

“Women’s History Month is an opportunity for our nation to reflect on and recognize the important role of women in our society. From the Seneca Falls Convention, to the 19th Amendment guaranteeing equal suffrage, to inspiring the Montgomery Bus Boycott, to Title IX, American women have a rich history of breaking down barriers.

“Democrats are proud that in the last year President Obama and the Democratic Congress have taken important steps on behalf of American women. Last summer President Obama nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, making her the third woman and the first Latina to serve in the nation’s highest court. Seven women (Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lisa Jackson, Janet Napolitano, Susan Rice, Christina Romer, Kathleen Sebelius, and Hilda Solis) currently serve in President Obama’s cabinet. President Obama pledged during the Presidential campaign that he would ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, and he kept that promise. The first major piece of legislation President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which legally entitles women to equal pay for equal work.

“But we have much more work to do. Women have a great deal at stake with the President’s health insurance reform bill – women are often charged higher premiums than men and are denied coverage because of so-called pre-existing conditions like c-sections or domestic violence. Democrats are committed to passing comprehensive health reform legislation that will once and for all end gender discrimination in our health insurance system.”

DNC Women’s Caucus Chairwoman Mame Reiley:

“During March we reflect on the great strides women have made in our march towards equality, and we recommit ourselves to the work we have left ahead of us. Trail blazers like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork that has allowed today’s women to work in the professions of our choosing, pursue economic security, and seek elective office at all levels.

We have made great progress since we gained the right to vote in 1920 – women currently hold 76 seats in the House and 17 U.S. Senators are female. However, even though 53 percent of the electorate in 2008 was female, our elected bodies still do not reflect the composition of America. During Women’s History Month, let us remind ourselves of the progress we have made as we pledge to continue the work that our sisters began over 150 years ago."

In a press release, League president Mary G. Wilson said:

“Health care reform is a critically important issue for Americans – an issue that requires action from all of us. After watching opponents of health care reform repeatedly attempt to scare people with lies and disorderly conduct, the League decided that we must speak up.

“This is an unusual step for us. But as a non-partisan membership organization that believes in reasoned and civil debate we felt compelled to take a stand against the lies and the distortions. We know our modest buy is a drop in the bucket compared to the vast resources being spent by special interests, but we also know that our message is shared by countless, everyday Americans.”

Women are disproportionately affected by our broken health care system. In many states, insurance companies are allowed to discriminate on the basis of gender. One recent study found that a 25-year old woman is charged 45 percent more than a 25-year old man for the same coverage, and thousands of women have been denied coverage because of so-called "pre-existing" conditions, like having had a C-section or a previous pregnancy. You can watch the LWV's adhere.

Here’s an excerpt from Kaine’s statement:

“Throughout her hearings, Judge Sotomayor demonstrated why she is one of the most qualified candidates ever nominated to the Court. With experience as a prosecutor, a corporate litigator and a judge, she will bring more federal judicial experience than any justice in the 100 years. And her incredible life story is something all Americans can draw inspiration from. Every American should be proud today that the country is one step closer to having our first-ever Latina Supreme Court Justice.

“I want to congratulate Judge Sotomayor on this historic step and thank Chairman Leahy (D-VT) for his outstanding leadership. Despite the attempts of some Republicans to play politics with the Judge’s confirmation, the process remains on schedule so that Judge Sotomayor will be able to join her colleagues on the Court in early September.”

Full remarks below.

Full remarks of the President are below.

The legislation now heads to President Barack Obama's desk for signature.