Blog
by WREN Staff on Jul 22, 2020
What is Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and why is it important? The coronavirus pandemic and the response by federal, state, and local authorities are fast-moving. We know federal legislation can be especially hard to keep up with at a time like this; that’s why we’re breaking down unemployment benefits and some continued work we
by Chloe Holowczenko, WREN Policy & Programs Assistant on Jul 16, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t make an exception for anyone, which includes the highest court in all the land. The Supreme Court wrapped up their decisions on Thursday, July 9, which is unusually late this year; a day where they would have typically cleared out the docket for the season. Already, the justices broke tradition in
by WREN Staff on Jul 15, 2020
This morning Governor Henry McMaster convened a press conference with leaders from the South Carolina General Assembly to address school reopening in the Fall. The Governor and others emphasized the importance of choice in deciding whether students have in-person instruction or continue virtual learning. However, without guaranteed paid leave from their jobs, parents do not
News, Policy Updates, Research
Jun 15, 2020
On behalf of WREN and in partnership with the National Women’s Law Center, Change Research surveyed 1,450 South Carolina women of various sexual orientations and LGBTQ people representing a range of gender identities who are likely to vote in the 2020 election. The purpose of this survey was to understand the lives, issues, and policy
Economic Opportunity, Research
by WREN Staff on Jun 10, 2020
Description: This brief aims to raise awareness and inspire action to close the gap and advance prosperity in South Carolina. It defines the gender and racial wealth gap; quantifies the gap in South Carolina; highlights some of the factors that create and perpetuate it; and offers high-level policy recommendations. Disclosures: Analysis conducted by Jessie
by WREN Staff on Jun 2, 2020
WREN joins with people across this state and country who demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other victims of state-sanctioned terror and racism. For far too long, too many have denied or made excuses for the harm that White supremacy and police brutality have caused to Black and Brown people,
by Melissa Moore on May 26, 2020
I’m living a blessed life online these days. I just celebrated Mother’s Day, a couple of birthdays, and a handful of happy hours in front of my laptop. Virtual boot camp classes have been boosting my heart rate every weekday morning before I sign onto Zoom for my daily staff check-ins. After I log a
by Ann Warner on May 12, 2020
As the South Carolina General Assembly reconvenes, our CEO, Ann Warner, penned a letter to each member. In the letter (below) Warner encourages each legislator to consider the lives and livelihoods of women as our economic recovery. In her letter, she emphasizes the need for a state-level response to the needs presented in this
by Ali Titus, ACLU Policy and Communications Director on May 12, 2020
Criminal Justice and Reproductive Health Advocates Celebrate Expanded Protections for Parents and Families FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2020 CONTACT: Ali Titus, ACLU of South Carolina, atitus @aclusc.org, 803-318-2500 The South Carolina House of Representatives passed legislation today that will limit the types of restraints used on pregnant people who are incarcerated and virtually abolish
by Kate Mayer on May 5, 2020
Whew, WHAT. A. DAY. Midlands Gives 2020 has been one for the books—we were bestowed the magical unicorn known as a “Cheerful Giver” matching gift, donor outreach nearly screeched to a halt when our database crashed, and we pulled it all together while sitting at our makeshift desks working from home. And thanks to
Now is the time to invest in South Carolina’s women, girls, and families. We need people like you joining the movement, speaking out, and leading the way toward positive change.