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Statement

STATEMENT OF Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director, CEO and Co-Founder, Momsrising, on last night’s vice presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan

October 12, 2012
MomsVote

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

“MomsRising applauds Martha Raddatz for doing a masterful job moderating last night’s vice presidential debate.  But it is disappointing that, even though the debate took place on the International Day of the Girl, issues of paramount importance to girls and women, including family economic security, were not discussed at all. 
 
“Nearly three-quarters of American moms are in the labor force, and half of them are the primary breadwinners for their families.  Women contribute so much to our economy, and are more than half the electorate.  Yet gender-based discrimination in hiring, promotion and wages, soaring childcare costs that exceed even the rising costs of a college education, a failure to provide access to sick days and other essential supports, didn't make it into the conversation last night.  Neglecting these critical issues in debates and in policymaking undermines the success of our businesses, the economic security of our families, and the health of our economy. We’re ready to hear answers at the next presidential debate.”
 

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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.