Blog
COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, News, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on Jan 5, 2021
As of January 1st, while still in the middle of a public health emergency, Congress decided that emergency paid leave is no longer mandatory in the United States. 87 million workers have lost their guaranteed emergency leave amidst the worsening public health crisis and continued school closures. Rather than extending the requirement for employers to
COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, Freedom from Violence, Health and Education, Leadership and Civic Engagement, News, Policy Updates
Dec 11, 2020
WREN’s policy agenda framework is rooted in the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness, so that all women, girls, and gender expansive** people —of every race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, family status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression – can prosper and thrive. It reflects the importance of policy that serves
COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, Health and Education, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on Nov 20, 2020
Millions of people across the country are struggling to get by, including kids who aren’t getting enough to eat because their parents don’t have enough money for groceries and families that are behind on rent and could lose their homes. Programs intended to aid Americans struggling financially due to the ongoing coronavirus will expire at
by ACLU, Able SC, P&A, AARP, YWCA of Greater Charleston, WREN on Oct 19, 2020
COLUMBIA – South Carolina disability rights, gender justice, and racial justice advocates today joined forces to urge Governor McMaster to implement protections during COVID-19 and beyond for residents of congregate facilities for seniors and people with disabilities and those who care for them. AARP South Carolina (AARP), Able South Carolina (Able SC), the American Civil Liberties
Advocate Stories, COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, Health and Education
by WREN Staff on Oct 15, 2020
What is paid leave? Paid leave was the number one relief policy voters wanted in recent polling. Paid leave saves lives, and livelihoods, but what is it? Paid leave enables workers to take time to care for themselves or a loved one without risking their job or paycheck. We know that families and the nation
Advocate Stories, COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, News
by Deitra Matthews, Conservation Voters of S.C. on Oct 12, 2020
The phrase “energy poverty” may sound strange, but it’s a vivid reality for far too many here in South Carolina. Energy poverty is reached when a household can no longer afford to pay the full cost of its utility bills and is instead forced to make difficult and often unhealthy decisions. In our efforts with
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
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 WREN Staff on May 1, 2020
The WREN team is committed to serving our network by continuing to educate and advocate for the health, economic well-being, and rights of women, girls, and their families. Our COVID-19 policy priorities will center women and caregivers by focusing on protections for front line workers, addressing women’s economic devastation, paid leave, and reproductive freedom. The
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.