If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it.
Image Source:”Margaret Fuller.” Margaret Fuller. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002712183/>.November 6,2012

Great food from Ida’s Catering and a wonderful program were enjoyed by all at Secor Metropark last month.  The program included hearing about “Wild Tools, Wild Lands” and honoring the Camp Be Wise and Lourdes University campers.  The excitement in the girls’ voices when telling of their experiences was uplifting.  These young ladies will cherish their summer camp memories forever.  Dr. Michelle Grigore, Director of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, talked directly to the girls about her career path and options they might wish to pursue.  I know a couple of them will do just that!

By the time you read this, the elections may  be over.  Whatever the outcome, the work to protect many of the advances women have made will continue.  The Social Security Act of 1935 is just one.  Social Security is the bedrock of older women’s financial security, and efforts to shrink the federal deficit through cuts and changes to the Social Security program would disproportionately impact women’s economic security.  Women stand to lose the most from a reduction in the annual cost-of-living adjustment or an increase in the retirement age.

HerVotes.org suggests the following: Social Security’s finances should be strengthened while simultaneously improving benefits for those who depend on them.  For example, raising or removing the cap on earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax—right now, earnings above $110,100 are not taxed—and otherwise broadening the payroll tax base would put Social Security on solid financial ground and would fund benefit improvements that would be especially important for older women’s economic security.  Removing penalties for “care giving” years and increasing the percentage of workers’ benefits for dependent spouses would greatly help full-time homemakers.

Read more on the “Top 12 Advances at Risk”: www.hervotes.org

Keep up with AAUW’s actions on this matter and more by sending an e-mail to connect@aauw.org and receive the Mission & Action newsletter.

Yours in AAUW, Michelle Radtkin