Economic Security

2018 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2018, CWLC participated in thirty-three amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. This summer CWLC filed a brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of California’s FACT Act, a law pertaining to the limited and harmful practices that “crisis pregnancy centers”
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UCLA’s Health Policy Report: Senior Rent Burden (2018)

UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research released the below Health Policy Report in August 2018 regarding the rent burden on low-income older Californian tenants.

2017 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2017, CWLC participated in thirty amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls.  These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included Title IX campus sexual assault and cyber harassment, women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and transgender veterans.

California Financial Security: Dreaming or Struggling AARP Survey (2017)

This statewide survey of 800 California adults age 36-70 who are in the workforce finds that some Californians are living the dream, but many are struggling.

Fact Sheet – Asking for Salary History Perpetuates Pay Discrimination from Job to Job (2017)

The National Women’s Law Center released a fact sheet in June 2017 highlighting how Asking for Salary History Perpetuates Pay Discrimination from Job to Job. 

2016 Amicus Briefs Summary

In 2016, CWLC participated in eighteen amicus briefs addressing a variety of legal issues affecting justice and equality for women and girls. These briefs were filed in the California Court of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, multiple federal District and Circuit courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. The issues addressed by the briefs included women’s reproductive health, domestic violence, LGBTQ employment discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and discriminatory enforcement of prostitution offenses.

Webinar – Equal Pay in California: Your Right to Pay Equity in the Workplace (2016)

The California Fair Pay Collaborative, comprised of the California Women’s Law Center, Equal Rights Advocates, and Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center trained individuals and attorneys in how to navigate California’s Equal Pay Act. This training covers the rights workers have under California’s equal pay law, how to spot a violation of those rights, and what
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Aging, Women, and Poverty in California: We Must Do More (2016)

On June 3, 2016, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) partnered with the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to co-host the “Aging, Women, and Poverty in California” forum. This policy paper summarizes the key issues facing poor older women in California as well as serves
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Aging, Women, and Poverty In California Forum Documents (2016)

On June 3, 2016, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) partnered with the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to co-host the “Aging, Women and Poverty in California” forum.  The Forum focused on the priorities and perspectives that community and policy leaders need to address as our population
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Alternative Custody Program (2015)

The Alternative Custody Program was expanded in 2015 to allow certain incarcerated women to serve the remainder of their sentences in approved facilities in their community to reunite families and keep children out of the foster care system. By connecting incarcerated women to vital services, such as substance abuse programs, housing, and employment opportunities, the
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CWLC’s Distinguished Guest Speaker Series “Incarcerated Women and Girls” (2015)

On September 2, 2015, CWLC and the Feminist Majority Foundation hosted a panel discussion to examine California’s corrections system, including the unique needs of incarcerated women and youth. The discussion focused on programs and service providers that often play a vital role of giving incarcerated individuals hope for a better life. Speakers included Scott Budnick
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Older Women’s Health Resource Guide: Learning to Demand and Receive Better Care (2006)

This guide was created to provide basic and general information about your rights regarding your ability to receive quality health care and what steps you can take if you believe you are not able to receive the care you need. It is meant to educate and empower you to know the law, demand your rights
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Today is Asian American and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day

Today is Asian American and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day, which marks the number of days into 2019 that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women need to work to make what white, non-Hispanic men earned on average in 2018. That means AAPI women must work, on average, two extra months to make up
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55th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act of 1963

                Today is the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which amended the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit pay discrimination on the basis of sex. Fifty-five years later, women still do not receive equal pay. In 2017, women on
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CWLC Recognizes May as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. During this month, we recognize the progress that has been made to decrease rates of teen pregnancy across the nation as well as the challenges that remain. Since 1991, the birth rate among teenage girls has dropped 67 percent, and in 2016 the teen birth rate was 20.3
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Winter 2018 Newsletter

In this issue…   CWLC 2018 Pursuit of Justice Awards honors Rita Hall, It’s On Us, LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and Lois Thompson on May 17    Speaker Series with Congressman Adam Schiff    March is Women’s Herstory Month    “Equal Pay” in 2018    CWLC Welcomes Kim Nakamaru   2018 Pursuit of
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2017 Year End Letter

Happy Holidays to you and yours from the California Women’s Law Center staff and Board of Directors.
In peace and with respect for all, we wish you a happy and healthy 2018!

Fall 2017 Newsletter

  In this issue…   CWLC Speaker Series: Champions In Sports   CWLC’s Trainings and Community Outreach   Weighing In: CWLC’s Amicus Briefs   California Report on Women, HIV and Sex Work   Welcome CWLC’s New Board Member, Stacey Armato     CWLC Speaker Series: Female Athletes Leading The Way     On October 25,
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Amicus Brief Filed in U.S. Supreme Court on Economic Security of Older Women

CWLC was one of six organizations who filed a joint amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in the case of Lazar v. Kroncke.

Exciting Speaker Series on Women in Sports

The California Women’s Law Center hosted a Speaker Series with former UCLA softball coach and Title IX champion Sue Enquist, USA Olympic beach volleyball player Lauren Fendrick, film director and author Gwendolyn Oxenham and the NBA’s first female referee Violet Palmer on October 25, 2017 at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Beverly Hills. Their discussion titled
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Summer 2017 Newsletter

In this issue… 2017 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, Teen Dating Violence Brochure, CWLC’s Beach Cities Legal Housing Clinics, CWLC Releases: Lactation 101 Report, Join Us: LA Sparks #WeAreWomen game on August 27th, and more!

Paid Leave Letter

CWLC, along with 342 other organizations from more than 40 states, signed this letter urging congress to stand with working families across the nation supporting paid family leave. Read the group letter to congress in support of real paid leave here.

Free Legal Housing Clinic

CWLC hosted a Free Legal Housing Clinic for residents of the Beach Cities.

2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards

The California Women’s Law Center was honored to recognize amazing leaders and champions who are pursuing justice for women and girls: The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, California State Senator Connie M. Leyva, and the Los Angeles Sparks. Sponsorship opportunities available.

West Hollywood Women’s Leadership Conference

Please join the California Women’s Law Center in supporting the City of West Hollywood’s 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference & Network on Saturday, May 13, 2017. The Women’s Leadership Conference features a day of dynamic speakers, panel discussions, trainings and workshops.

Assembly Bill 1209 (Gonzalez Fletcher) – Gender Pay Gap Transparency Act

The California Women’s Law Center supports AB 1209, The Gender Pay Gap Transparency Act, introduced by Senator Gonzalez-Fletcher, which seeks to address the gender wage gap in California. Read AB 1209 Support Letter AB 1209 was vetoed by the Governor on October 15, 2017.

National Equal Pay Day 2017

Today is National Equal Pay Day, recognized this year on April 4th which represents how far into the new year women on average must work to earn what men did the previous year. Overcoming the wage gap is difficult for all women but particularly for the vast majority of women of color.

Assembly Bill 1446 (Cooley) – Dependent Children: Periodic Review Hearing

CWLC supports AB 1446, introduced by Senator Cooley, which would provide critical oversight to ensure that children in foster care do not linger in transitional, temporary, or emergency shelter placements not intended for long-term care. Read AB 1446 Letter of Support Introduced on February 17, 2017 Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator
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Assembly Bill 563 (Arambula) – CalFresh

CWLC supports AB 563, introduced by Senator Arambula, which would support CalFresh recipients in securing employment and earnings that will allow them to exit poverty. Read AB 563 Letter of Support AB 563 was approved by the Governor on September 28, 2017.

Senate Bill 570 (Newman) – G.I. Bill CalWORKs

CWLC supports SB 570, introduced by Senator Newman, which would amend the rules governing income and eligibility for the CalWORKs program to exempt all education related benefits paid to military, veteran and surviving family members by the United States Veteran Administration (VA) from income tests for the program. Read SB 570 Support Letter SB 570 was
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Senate Bill 282 (Wiener) – The Reducing Hunger Among Vulnerable Californians Act of 2017

CWLC supports Senate Bill 282, introduced by Senator Wiener, which would increase access to prepared food for low income, homeless, elderly and disabled Californians, and will create job opportunities for childless homeless adults. Read AB 282 Letter of Support SB 282 was approved by the Governor on September 28, 2017. 

Assembly Bill 557 (Rubio) – CalWORKs Domestic Violence

The California Women’s Law Center supports AB 557, which would strengthen aid to domestic violence victims who are applicants or recipients of CalWORKs assistance. Read AB 557 Support Letter AB 557 was approved by the Governor on October 12, 2017.

Winter 2017 Update

In this issue… Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin, CWLC to honor The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, State Senator Connie M. Leyva and the Los Angeles Sparks: 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards – May 16, 2017, Policy Brief Released: “Aging, Women and Poverty In California,” Join Us: Upcoming Title IX Webinars, CWLC Welcomes New Board Members, and much more!

Rally & Walk for Equality

The Feminist Majority Foundation, CWLC and various sponsors and supporters attended the Rally & Walk for EQUALITY on March 26, 2017.

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2017

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a collective day of global celebration but also a call for gender parity. IWD honors the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. But the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and physical safety are threatened every day.

Asian American Women Equal Pay Day

Today is Asian American Women’s Equal Pay Day, which means Asian American women’s salaries are just catching up to what white men made in 2016. Compared to their white male counterparts, Asian American women working full time typically are only paid 85 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

CWLC Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is a month of reflection and appreciation for women, but it is also a month of action. Please join us as we celebrate the gains women have made since our country was founded and know that CWLC will be on the frontlines to stop any attempt to force women backward or diminish our possibilities. Together, we will be successful in our mission to ensure the future is bright and full of opportunity for every woman and every girl in the nation.

Women’s History Month Events

The California Women’s Law Center is proud to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Every month, but especially this month, CWLC is proud to recognize the fearless women who shaped our past and whose sturdy shoulders we now stand in our ongoing fight for fairness and equality. Get involved all month long!

Senate Bill 63 (Jackson) – New Parent Leave Act

The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 63, introduced by Senator Jackson, which would provide more California employees with job-protected parental leave for up to 12 weeks. Read SB 63 Support Letter SB 63 was approved by the Governor on October 12, 2017.

Insightful Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin

The California Women’s Law Center hosted a Distinguished Guest Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinksy and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law on February 22, 2017 at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Beverly Hills. Their presentation titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump” was incredibly insightful and well-attended. Thank you, Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Goodwin!