Blog
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
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
by WREN Staff on Mar 12, 2020
Priority Legislation: Paid leave (S. 997 & H. 5137) These bills would provide state employees with 12 weeks of paid family leave. Paid leave has many public health benefits, including decreased infant mortality and improved physical and mental health of new parents. This policy will also improve employee retention, productivity, and morale. A recent
Advocate Stories, Policy Updates
by Ann Warner, CEO on Sep 12, 2019
On Sept 10th, the 6-week abortion ban was heard by the Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee and served as the final opportunity for the public to provide verbal testimony. While it’s frustrating to spend our precious time discussing a blatantly unconstitutional and reckless bill that was fast-tracked outside of regular legislative session, it was also incredibly
Advocate Stories, Policy Updates
by Ann Warner on Sep 9, 2019
The Medical Affairs Committee has limited testimony for the Sept. 10th hearing on H.3020 so the speaker slots have been filled. That being said we need AS MANY written testimonies as possible to be used in committee and floor debates. Senators have asked for stories from all 46 Senate districts. You can submit testimony directly
by Courtney Thomas on Aug 21, 2019
In an unprecedented move, the South Carolina Senate is moving forward with H. 3020 outside of regular session. After passing through the house, the 6 Week Abortion Ban is now in the Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee. September 10, 2019 is our last opportunity to go on record in opposition to the bill, so we
Economic Opportunity, Health and Education, Policy Updates
by WREN Staff on Jun 4, 2019
The legislature adjourned the 1st regular session of the 123rd South Carolina General Assembly in May. While many of the state’s priorities for the year are left unfinished, WREN made progress in advancing issues affecting women, girls, and families, and successfully stopped a 6-week abortion ban for this year. The two-year session of the SC
Health and Education, Policy Updates
by Ann Warner on May 18, 2019
We have reached a new stage in the battle over abortion rights in America, and South Carolina is on the frontlines. Year after year the South Carolina General Assembly plays political games with women’s lives by introducing legislation to restrict access to abortion care. This year, however, South Carolina lawmakers have gone to unprecedented lengths.
Leadership and Civic Engagement, Policy Updates
by Ashley Lidow on May 13, 2019
As the 2019 session comes to a close you may find me frolicking around Columbia singing songs about being free and enjoying the summer, but do not let that fool you; we at WREN do not stop working when the legislature adjourns. In fact, the off session is a great time to organize and make
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.