3/19/23 Senator Ballweg On Women’s History Month
19 March 2023 News
Since 1980 the week of March 8th has been declared National Women’s History Week. Seven years later, Congress extended this celebration to the entire month of March. Today, Women’s History Month is an excellent time to commemorate the efforts and history of women, which continues to pave the path for women today.
Last year, women comprised 31% of the Wisconsin legislature. Being a part of this group and working alongside such talented and respected women has been an honor. During my tenure in the legislature, I have served as a board member for Wisconsin Women in Government, served on Wisconsin’s 19th Amendment Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee and championed legislation relating to early childhood care and education. I will continue to bring recognition to the concerns around maternal mortality, and advocate for postpartum care.
This session, I have again authored legislation that extends postpartum care for mothers to a year after birth. This legislation was estimated to provide extended coverage for more than 6,300 pregnant women annually. I believe this is an essential step in improving health outcomes for our mothers and babies, and supporting women across the state.
Another piece of legislation I hope to make strides on this session are reimbursements for doula services. This includes childbirth education and support services such as emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Legislation like this will assist women across the state, especially those with limited financial resources.
In addition, I also continue to make efforts to support women in business. This year, I am co-sponsoring a bill that extends the state’s diversity and inclusion spending goals for architecture and engineering services to woman-owned businesses. By creating these opportunities for woman-owned businesses, the stature of women in design professions will elevate. Further, other women can be encouraged to break into the architecture, engineering and landscape professions to create new businesses and add to our state’s economy.
During this Women’s History Month, let us all take time to reflect on the history and efforts of women everywhere. You can find more information on this month at https://womenshistorymonth.gov/. I look forward to continue serving the State of Wisconsin and being a voice for all of my constituents.
To reach Sen. Ballweg with questions or comments please call (608) 266-0751 or email Sen.Ballweg@legis.wi.gov. Visit her website, legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/14/ballweg, to subscribe to her weekly e-update.
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