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News release

A Hero for America’s Moms is Laid to Rest

August 20, 2009
Health Care

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

MomsRising, the million-member online and on-the-ground grassroots organization working to improve economic security for all families, today joined the nation in mourning the loss of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. On the day he is being laid to rest, MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner called the Senator “a force of nature, a lion, and an elegant street fighter for social justice.”
 
Senator Kennedy attended the MomsRising Capitol Hill launch in 2006, sharing personal stories and speaking eloquently about the compelling need to end discrimination against mothers, and all women. At that event, Senator Kennedy called the treatment of mothers and children, “really a defining issue in terms of our country, our society, our humanity, and our decency” and pledged support for MomsRising and its agenda.
 
MomsRising worked closely with the late Senator a range of issues, including healthcare reform, fair pay, paid sick days, and family and medical leave. “Senator Kennedy was an incredible partner as well as a bold and inspiring leader,” said MomsRising President and Co-Founder Joan Blades.
 
This month, MomsRising members have been fanning out across the country to dispel unfounded rumors, misperceptions and lies about healthcare reform. For this effort, dubbed the SuperMom Healthcare Truth Squad, SuperMoms dressed in red capes are distributing truth flyers to educate people about what healthcare reform will really do – and not do. Senator Kennedy called healthcare reform “the cause of my life.”
 
“Senator Kennedy’s legacy lives on as we continue the fight for mothers and children,” Rowe-Finkbeiner added. “Our nation is stronger and so much better off because of his service. He touched all of our lives in so many ways. Even as we celebrate his life and contributions, we will miss him terribly.”
 

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.