Category: Economic Opportunity

Economic Opportunity, Health and Education, Policy Updates

WREN Testimony to the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children

by Ashley Crary Lidow on Sep 23, 2021

This testimony was presented on WREN ‘s behalf by our Director of Policy and Government Relations, Ashley Crary Lidow, at the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children Hearing, September 23rd, 2021 at 6:30 PM. Members of the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children,  Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. My name

Economic Opportunity, Freedom from Violence, Health and Education

Make your voice heard to support SC children: Sign up to testify at the fall 2021 Children’s Committee Hearings

by Ashley Crary Lidow on Sep 2, 2021

Are you passionate about the welfare of children in South Carolina? If so, you should consider testifying at the fall 2021 Children’s Committee hearings across the state. This is an amazing opportunity to provide information to legislators from the House and Senate, as well as key stakeholders who shape many policies that affect the children

COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, Health and Education, News

Working Women at Higher Risk in School Reopening  

by WREN Staff on Aug 9, 2021

Columbia, SC- Today, Governor Henry McMaster held a press conference on COVID-19 and school reopening. Despite overwhelming evidence that masks are the most effective tool we have to curtail the surge in Covid infections among children, the Governor has refused to take decisive action. Unfortunately, his wishful thinking about “personal responsibility” will hurt children and

Economic Opportunity, Health and Education

Child Care Workers Emphasize Need for Wages, Benefits, and Respect

by WREN Staff on Jul 15, 2021

In a panel presentation, Dr. Amanda McDougald Scott presented findings from her research about the everyday lives of child care workers. The panel featured child care workers from around the state including Dellarekus Kelly “Mr.D” (he/his), Maria Johnson (she/her), Lynn Pollard (She/her), Alison Lister (she/her), Felicia O’Neal (she/her), Sarita Smith (she/her), Meredith Burton (she/her). Each

Economic Opportunity, Health and Education, News

Ask WREN: What is the American Rescue Plan?

by Chloe Holowczenko, WREN Policy and Programs Assistant on Mar 23, 2021

When creating policies designed to address pandemic relief, women, especially women of color, need to be prioritized. Women are disproportionally impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and women of color have been hit the hardest. More than 2.3 million women have dropped out of the labor force since February 2020.   If women continue to remain out of the

Economic Opportunity, Leadership and Civic Engagement

#EqualPay Week of Action

Mar 22, 2021

This week the WREN team will highlight the ways pay discrimination impacts women and gender expansive people. Though the wage gap is a persistent problem, there are ways we can all work toward solutions. Join us for a week of education and action! #SCWREN #EqualPay Add this frame to your Facebook profile photo and help

COVID-19, Economic Opportunity, News, Policy Updates

The Fight for Paid Leave Continues in 2021

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

WREN’s Gender Justice* Policy Agenda

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