The California Legislative Women’s Caucus has been a strong bipartisan and bicameral advocate for women and children since its founding in 1985. In 2020, more women have been elected at one time than ever before, making up 31.6 percent of the legislature, and they are working to increase the representation of women and advocate on their behalf. The Caucus has fought, and continues to fight, for change in policy areas such as childcare and prison reform, and on behalf of survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The Legislative Women’s Caucus has passed successful legislation that protects women at home and in the workplace. It has focused on helping women shatter glass ceilings and worked to create equitable employment environments for women and girls—working continuously to ensure that the state attends to matters that are important to California.
Women Rising: The California Legislative Women’s Caucus
Reelected to represent the 20th State Senate District in 2018, Senator Connie M. Leyva is serving her second term in the California State Senate. The district includes the cities and communities of Bloomington, Chino, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Montclair, Muscoy, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Currently serving as Chair of the bipartisan and bicameral California Legislative Women’s Caucus and Commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, Senator Leyva continues to be a committed leader on improving the lives of women, children, and families in California. Since being elected to the senate, she has authored thirty-eight bills signed into law, including important legislation to
Require all public universities to provide medication abortion by 2023 (SB 24)
Eliminate the statute of limitations on rape (SB 813)
Require the prompt testing of rape kits (SB 22)
Criminalize sextortion and protect minors and young women (SB 500)
Ban secret settlements in sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination cases (SB 820)
Protect human trafficking victims (SB 597)
Permanently extend overtime for domestic workers (SB 1015)
Eliminate the use of political funds to fight assault and harassment claims (SB 71)
As Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair, Senator Leyva has worked collaboratively with other members to expand access to childcare, help secure important funding for after-school programs, protect victims of domestic violence, end childhood deep poverty, and require women on corporate boards, along with many other women- and family-oriented efforts.
Senator Connie M. Leyva; Women Rising: The California Legislative Women’s Caucus. California History 24 December 2020; 97 (4): 119–132. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/ch.2020.97.4.119
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