MEDIA RELEASE

The Women’s Legislative Caucus unveiled its package for the 2012 Legislative Session. This year’s set of bills and resolutions is dedicated to women veterans.

The package also includes recognition of the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free or low-cost housing to veterans and families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

The Women’s Legislative Caucus (WLC) is composed of Reps. Karen Awana, Della Au Belatti, Rida T.R. Cabanilla, Mele Carroll, Corinne W.L. Ching, Cindy Evans, Faye P. Hanohano, Sharon Har, Linda Ichiyama, Jo Jordan, Marilyn Lee, Sylvia Luke, Barbara Marumoto, Dee Morikawa, Kymberly Marcos Pine, Cynthia Thielen, and Jessica Wooley. Sens. Roz Baker, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Carol Fukunaga, Michelle Kidani, Donna Mercado Kim, Pohai Ryan, Maile Shimabukuro, Malama Solomon, and Jill Tokuda represent the WLC in the Senate.

These 26 female lawmakers account for 34 percent of the 27th Hawaii State Legislature, putting the state well above the national average of 23.3 percent.

The bills introduced this session by the WLC address women’s health, the establishment of an automated victim notification system, the amendment of birth certificates for transgendered individuals, the requirement of birth defects warnings in liquor establishments, breastfeeding in the workplace, cervical and breast cancer screenings, funding for the reintegration of female offenders from incarceration back into the community, mandatory reporting requirements concerning child abuse, and the establishment of a special fund for child assault victims.

The WLC will also be proposing resolutions urging the State and Federal governments to assist women veterans, support the establishment of a Veterans Court within the Hawaii State Circuit Court, urge the U.S. Congress to support the immediate repeal of combat exclusionary rules, and reinforce Hawaii’s congressional delegation in support of the establishment of the National Women’s History Museum.

A list of the bills and resolutions can be found at: www.capitol.hawaii.gov/report.aspx?type=package&key=12&name=Women’s+Legislative+Caucus