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Here's a portion of an email I received from the ERA campaign that is pursuing a 3 state strategy to obtain the remaining states needed to ratify the ERA, picking up where it was left off back in the 80s. If you are in Illinois, Arkansas or Florida, you will find this exciting! For more info on the campaign go to www.eracampaign.net/
ENCOURAGING PROGRESS IN ERA RATIFICATION CAMPAIGNS!
With just three more states needed to ratify to achieve the necessary 38:
In ILLINOIS, ratification in 2006?
Gayle Guthrie, ERA Campaign Network Illinois Coordinator and head of ERA Illinois, reports that the extensive coalition working for ERA ratification in that state has been making major progress in working toward ERA ratification by both houses of the current legislature before the end of 2006! (In the previous legislature, the House of Representatives, in a decisive bipartisan vote, passed their ERA ratification resolution, and the Senate came very close to passing it.) To contact Gayle Guthrie, e-mail ERAIllinois@cs.com, or telephone 773-477-0164.
In ARKANSAS, ratification in 2007?
Berta Seitz, our Arkansas Coordinator, reports that the ERA ratification campaign is well organized, and is growing strongly, with a high level of bipartisan support in women's organizations, among state legislators, and in the state's administration. While the legislature does not meet in 2006, there are rising hopes for ERA ratification in 2007! (In 2005, before the campaign for the ERA had built a strong organization, Arkansas came just two short of the number of votes needed to ratify.) Contact Berta Seitz, e-mail BSeitz@fayar.net, tel. 479-442-6256.
In FLORIDA, ratification getting closer!
Sandy Oestreich, our Florida Coordinator and head of another organization, Florida ERA, Inc., reports:
"The ERA is growing a life of its own in Florida. Many major groups are taking it up in a serious way. We have ERA speakers all over the state. ERA ratification bills have been filed in both the current legislature's houses, and we are often in Tallahassee (the state capital) to forward the ERA cause. The goal this legislative session is 75 bill cosponsors out of 160 legislators. We hope all Florida's gubernatorial candidates match the enthusiasm for the ERA shown by Florida Senator Rod Smith, who says he 'will lead the fight for Florida's ratification.' The restructured ERA Inc. campaign is growing rapidly, and thus has an increasing need for funds, particularly to help cover the expenses of college student volunteers, and to hire a paid lobbyist who could greatly help in reaching all the legislators and putting the ERA over the top. Please e-mail RatifyERA@cs.com to find out how to make contributions to ERA Inc., or to Florida's ERA Education Fund, Inc. 501(c)3. As long as the rapidly dwindling supply permits, a contribution of $25 will bring you a Someday a Woman Will be President doll."
These Florida ERA organizations can be reached by e-mail, RatifyERA@cs.com, or telephone 707-393-0932. Note: Sandy Oestreich will speak on the ERA at BPW/USA's upcoming Policy and Action Conference (see below).
Tara Laxer, the ERA Campaign Network's second Florida coordinator (e-mail tlaxer@yahoo.com) is also hard at work, arranging events promoting the ERA such as one this month at Florida American University in Boca Raton.
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