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4-1-1994

Maine Women's Lobby News Letter (1994 - April) No. 7

Maine Women's Lobby Staff Maine Women's Lobby

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This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Maine Women's Publications - All by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. I «i ™ Maine Womens APRIL 1994 Lobby NUMBER 7

How Women Fare In The New Global Economy

By Stephanie Sequino

While many in the United States praise labor union activity combined to ensure and move to another country when work­ the trend towards a global economy, the higher profit rates abroad. The shift of ers insist on wage hikes, improved safety debate rarely considers how these eco­ investment abroad by corporations began standards or better working conditions. nomic changes affect women and the goal a process called the “deindustrialization Corporations are also able to pressure lo­ of gender equality. of America” and has contributed to the cal governments to reduce taxes and roll The globalization of the economy oc­ loss of hundreds of thousands of manu­ back protective labor and environmental curs when corporations, goods and money facturing jobs in Maine and the U.S. legislation. The recent case in which the move easily across international borders. Large corporations are not multina­ city of Willow Run, Mich, agreed to a $ 13 The roots of this global economy can be tional with production branches in sev­ million tax abatement for General Motors found in the declining corporate profit eral countries. While we still tend to think (G.M.) in return for that corporation’s rates of the late 1960s, which induced U.S. of corporations as having nationalities, commitment to keep the factory open until companies to move production to devel­ this distinction has become meaningless. the year 2000 is a case in point. oping countries. For example, Texas Instruments produces Understandably, many communities The lure of cheap wages, lax labor and a large percentage of its semiconductor have felt it necessary to accede to corpo­ environmental standards and, on occa­ chips in Japan and Hewlett Packard now rate demands. But the loss of tax revenue sion, repressive governments that limit produces computers in France. As a re­ results in lay-offs of state and municipal sult, many goods sold as American prod­ workers, cuts in social services and edu­ ucts are made up of components made cation spending and higher property taxes. Lawmakers Make almost entirely overseas. The production Corporations have also succeeded in low­ of goods now spans the globe, a phenom­ ering their tax liability at the national level Minor Changes in enon that has been called the new inter­ with the share of corporate income taxes Maine's Welfare System national division of labor. in total income tax revenue falling from Some regard these changes as a move 28 percent in 1955 to 8.2 percent in 1988. toward greater economic “efficiency.” Lawmakers refused to adopt Gov. continued on page 2 Others worry, however, that corporations John McKeman’s controversial welfare have extended their reach beyond the reform proposals that had been labeled regulations that once limited their ex­ / “punitive” and “Draconian” by the Maine cesses. Indeed, it appears that the rise of Women’s Lobby and other organizations capital mobility, which has resulted in and made only minor changes to Maine’s ♦ Celebrate Maine Women increased corporate leverage over work­ welfare program that serves low-income ers and policy-makers, has come at the ♦ Great Escape Winners women and their children. cost of community. Within days of wrapping up their ses­ ♦ Women's Health Equity Day How has this happened? Increasingly, sion, lawmakers established a business ♦ Major Donors Thanked multinational corporations are able to play subsidy for employers if they hired an Aid workers in different countries off against ♦ Sexual Assault Awareness each other by threatening to close up shop continued on page 3 Page 2 Maine Women's Lobby Newsletter

How Women Fare... significantly lower than those paid men. their income is less and gender equality They almost universally work longer remains out of reach. continued from page 1 hours, in part because women everywhere In the manufacturing sector, some in­ bear the brunt of household labor. In many dustries have shifted to subcontracting, countries, women are excluded from high- especially among the garment and elec­ Some argue that increased corporate paid jobs in capital-intensive industries tronics industries in New York and Los leverage requires Mainers to create “a such as auto, steel, and ship building. This Angeles County. Subcontracting links good business climate” in order to attract results in their being “crowded” into a lim­ established firms to unlicensed shops and new business and jobs. But recent events ited number of jobs in labor-intensive industrial home work, where the large suggests that today what is required to export manufacturing, causing an artifi­ proportion of workers are native- and for­ create a good business economy is in con­ cial depression of women’s wages. In eign-bom Hispanic women. These areas flict with our needs as workers and citi­ spite of the rapid growth of female em­ of labor escape governmental regulation zens. ployment, wage differentials between with the result that workers are frequently A telling statistic is the U.S. unem­ men and women have actually widened subject to abuse - underpayment or non­ ployment rate, which has steadily climbed in some countries. This is a peculiar re­ payment, hazardous work conditions and over the past three decades. In the 1960s, versal of economic logic that would sug­ sexual harassment. for example, the average unemployment gest that because women are in such high Firms also rely on overtime to reduce rate was 4.8 percent while the average for demand compared to men, their wages labor costs. While this might seem con­ the 1980s was 7.3 percent. should rise rather than fall. tradictory, firms save on payroll taxes and Higher rates of unemployment are By importing cheap goods from de­ fringe benefits by working employees partly explained by the loss of many well- veloping countries, we in the U.S. import overtime instead of expanding employ­ paid manufacturing jobs to low-wage gender discrimination and labor repres­ ment. For many workers, overtime work countries. Recently, G.M., Ford, and sion. Indeed, imported goods would not is mandatory. From a gender perspective, Chrysler have opened plants in Mexico, be so cheap without wage discrimination. the use of overtime creates a problem resulting in the loss of an estimated While we may benefit as consumers from since it is primarily men (in manufactur­ 200,000 jobs in the U.S. auto industry. cheaper goods, our well-being as work­ ing and professional jobs) who are called Those well-paid jobs have not been re­ ers and citizens is undermined by these on to work excessive hours. This makes placed to any substantial degree by jobs practices. There appears to be a strong men less available to contribute to house­ that pay decent living wages. Instead, our connection between the low wages paid hold labor and child care and it widens economy has generated low-paid jobs in women in developing countries and stag­ the gap between male and female earn­ the service sector. nating wages in the U.S. Real wages in ings. In this environment, corporations en­ America have fallen since 1973 while real Another disturbing trend is the growth gage in a cost-cutting frenzy that forces average gross weekly earnings in 1992 of earnings inequality among women. workers and communities to compete were the lowest they had been since 1958. Affirmative action programs appear to against each other. Unfortunately, Ameri­ Not only are wages lower than 20 have had some success in opening doors cans are asked to compete with workers years ago but job hours are also more in­ for women in professional and manage­ whose daily wage may be as low as 50 secure. An increasingly number of new rial positions, contributing to an increase cents an hour. These workers often labor jobs are part-time or temporary jobs, i women’s average eamings in the last 15 in unsafe conditions, do not have the right which pay lower hourly wages, have less years. However, at the same time, the to organize and have no fringe or social job mobility, and provide fewer social and number of women who are low-wage benefits. A recent “Dateline” story on the fringe benefits that full-time jobs. These workers (earning less than $10,000 has source of WalMart products showed jobs are concentrated in the service sec­ risen to almost a quarter of all women Americans now compete with children in tor but some manufacturing jobs are now workers, up from a low of 16.5 percent in Bangladesh and Pakistan who are paid organized in this fashion. Since the mid- 1978. subsistence wages and are not free to 1970s, the growth of part-time jobs has Rising inequality among women leave their factory jobs. We also compete evolved from an increase in involuntary workers places stress on gender solidar­ against women in South Korea who earn part-time slots. These jobs are filled by ity, which is required to improve all 50 percent of the male wage and work the people who would prefer full-time jobs women’s economic status. Women’s gains longest work week in the world. but are unable to find them. Almost 70 in blue collar and service jobs have been Globalization has been instrumental in percent of part-time work is performed curtailed by the recent period of labor cost the induction of women in developing by women. Women are almost twice as cutting and lower taxes. These results sug­ countries into paid employment. Women likely as men to be involuntarily employed gest feminists must give attention to the are generally employed by companies that part-time. This is a discouraging statis­ needs of low-wage workers, including manufacture good for export. Exports in tic. Gender equality in large part depends training, education, adequate child care, developing countries depend on low costs on equal access to income. If women have funded parental leave, a shorter work and low wages. Women are paid wages less access than men to full-time jobs, week for full-time workers, extension of continued on next page April 1994 Page 3

Women In A Global do not import gender discrimination and The globalization of our economies worker repression along with low-cost requires harmonization where wages and Economy... consumer goods. For example, we might living standards equalize over time. We continued from page 2 consider attaching a social charter to our could opt out of this process by adopting trade agreements, similar to the one de­ isolationist policies, or we could choose veloped by European Community (EC) to integrate and enact trade policies to en­ pro-rated fringe benefits to part-time countries. This charter would establish the sure that harmonization results in im­ workers and the promotion of unioniza­ principle that trade should not be based proved quality of life for all, not wors­ tion among service sector workers. on social dumping, where poor countries ened gender inequality. These goals, however, appear difficult follow low-wage, low-regulation strate­ Most importantly, we must recognize to achieve in the current global economy. gies to increase exports. Trade agreements that the process of globalization is not Communities, worker well-being and must make trade dependent on adherence gender neutral. The impact of trade poli­ gender equality appear at odds with eco­ to universally accepted labor standards, cies and global integration must be ana­ nomic growth in this environment. including the prohibition of gender-based lyzed to consider their impact on gender As an alternative, the U.S. might con­ wage discrimination and occupational equity in this country and elsewhere. sider policies that make trade fair so we segregation.

Lawmakers Make Minor Changes... continued from page 1 to Families with Dependent Children Maine Women’s Lobby Executive Direc­ period, and during the last nine months (AFDC) recipient, but it mandated that the tor and lobbyist Laura Fortman. the subsidy can be used to pay for train­ funds should be used for training the The Lobby argued that placing a cap ing for the employee. worker. on benefits to families who have addi­ The demonstration project of this sub­ The Legislature also asked the state’s tional children merely punishes the chil­ sidy will take place in Portland and Economic Growth Council to look at, “the dren by forcing the families even deeper Bangor. work force challenges faced by welfare into poverty. The average AFDC family There are currently AFDC re­ recipients and strategies to address their has 1.8 children, less than the national cipients on a waiting list to volunteer for economic and related needs.” average. the ASPIRE program, but they cannot get Many, including the Maine Women’s The Legislature had already cut ben­ into the program because of lack of funds. Lobby, were relieved that much of efits to AFDC families 8 percent last year The plan also requires the Economic McKeman’s welfare reform package had and currently provides only $312 per Growth Council, which advises the Gov­ been gutted. month for a mother with two children. ernor and Legislature, to look at the work Among its more controversial propos­ In the last week of the legislative ses­ force challenges faced by AFDC recipi­ als were plans to penalize families who sion, the Human Resources Committee ents. AFDC recipients, advocates and ser­ had additional children while receiving reached a consensus that some type of vice providers will have a chance to as­ AFDC and counting the income of room­ welfare reform was needed, after splin­ sist the Economic Growth Council in ad­ mates in determining the amount of tering over McKeman’s early proposal dressing this issue. AFDC to allot a woman and her children. along bipartisan lines. “We applaud this explicit recognition (Earlier, government officials had ac­ The consensus plan that emerged from that many women must remain on AFDC tually encouraged welfare recipients to the committee: because there is a lack of economic op­ move in together to save money.) Allows the Department of Human portunity for them,” said Fortman. The early plan had also offered a busi­ Services (DHS) more flexibility in using Another proposal requires Maine ness subsidy of $3,780 to employers who ASPIRE (which offers job training and Quality Centers to tap ASPIRE partici­ hired AFDC recipients and called for day care to welfare recipients) funds to pants when recruiting for job training. welfare recipients to “do something” for secure more services. The issue of welfare reform is still 20 hours a week or lose benefits regard­ It did not include the cap on benefits alive and will be addressed by the next less of their circumstances. to families or who additional children, nor Legislature, and by President Clinton. “While we agree that the welfare sys­ did it take into account the income of The Lobby plans to keep working to tem needs to be revamped and reformed, roommates. gather data, interview AFDC recipients it is our contention that this should be the It does include the business subsidy, and continue research to put forward wel­ result of a more thoughtful process, not a but unlike McKeman’s proposal, the em­ fare reform proposals that will help, not hastily-crafted program,” points out ployee receives $3,780 over an 18-month punish, poor women and their children. Page 4 Maine Women's Lobby Newsletter

Celebrate Maine Women With The 1994 History Poster

The 1994 Women’s History poster is World War II, she and her daughter es­ Oquossoc. She died in Lewiston and is now available from the Maine Women’s caped on foot over the Pyrenees Moun­ buried in Strong. Lobby and the Women’s Development tains into Portugal. They returned to In­ Dorothea Lynde Dix 1802-1887 of Institute for only $5! dian Island where she continued to write Hampden, helped establish 32 mental The poster features prominent Maine and craft Indian dolls until her death at hospitals and was an early advocate for women who have played an important age 73. mental health reform. role in the state and nation’s history. Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby (1854- In 1814, after a childhood spent keep­ Learn about the contributions of Molly 1946) of Phillips caused a stir at the Madi­ ing her family together while her father Spotted Elk, Fly Rod Crosby who taught son Square Garden Sportsmen’s Show in traveled as a preacher and her mother took Teddy Roosevelt how to fish with a flyrod 1896 when she lectured and demonstrated to her sick bed, Dix moved in with her and Lillian Nordica. fly fishing techniques in a deerskin skirt grandmother in Boston and wrote a text­ The poster, which is an ideal learning that hovered seven inches off the floor, book for young people. “gift” for school children and teens, show­ revealing her feet, ankles and legs. This In 1841, at age 39, Dix began the work cases the accomplishments of seven first female exhibitor at the show even for which she would become famous. Maine women. Buy it for yourself, your designed and built a Maine log cabin to While preaching to women in a prison, daughters or buy several and donate them display stuffed animals and hunting and she asked to see the rest of the facility to area schools, libraries and doctor’s of­ fishing equipment at the convention. and found six women whose “crime” was fices or display one in your office. Crosby began hunting and fishing to insanity. She spent the next 20 years cru­ Mary Alice Nelson Archambaud combat anemia and consumption. She sading to improve the conditions of the (1903-1977) known in the theater world convinced guides in the Dead River re­ mentally disabled. as Molly Spotted Elk, began life on In­ gion to teach her to fish, shoot a rifle and Beginning in Massachusetts in 1843, dian Island. She cared for her seven sib­ make her way in the woods. states began to respond to her arguments lings after her mother’s early death and Crosby became friends with Percival and set aside money for hospital facili­ at age 13 learned traditional Indian Baxter and taught President Roosevelt to ties to house the mentally ill. dances. After graduating from Old Town fly fish. She wrote about hunting and fish­ Dix convinced Congress to set aside High School, she studied at the Univer­ ing for newspapers and the Maine Woods, land and resources for mentally ill people, sity of Pennsylvania and contributed to which is where she first used the nick­ but President Franklin Pierce vetoed the the classic study of the Penobscots, name Fly Rod. bill. “Penobscot Man: The Life of a Forest Crosby was a friend of Annie Oakley During the Civil War, she became Su­ Tribe in Maine.” and toured briefly with the Buffalo Bill perintendent of U.S. Army nurses. She During Prohibition, she performed Show. During her later years, she helped died in 1887 and is buried in Mt. Auburn native dances as Molly Spotted Elk in build Our Lady of the Lakes Chapel at Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass. vaudeville shows while designing her costumes and writing the music. In 1928, continued on next page

4 she landed the lead in the movie “The Silent Enemy,” which documented the ( MAINE WOMEN'S LOBBY Ojibway’s struggle before the Europeans \______Board of Directors arrived. In 1931, Nelson danced in France in the ballet corps of the International Co­ Executive Director Laura Fortman, Linda Kley, Winthrop lonial Exhibition. She returned to the U.S. Nobleboro Christine Kukka, Scarborough and starred in several movies, including Chair Linda Wilcox, North Monmouth Victoria Murphy, Portland Penny Plourde, Augusta “The Last of the Mohicans,” “The Good Susan Allein, Fairfield Susan Aaronson, Portland Lizzy Poole, York Earth” and “Lost Horizon.” Catherine Charette, Portland Emily Seale, Readfield Nelson returned to France to dance at Lynn Cole, Canaan Libbey Seigars, Coopers Mills the Fontainbleau Conservatory. After her Lucinda Coombs, Leeds Betsy Sweet, Monmouth husband, John Archambaud, disappeared Christine Hastedt, Freeport Barbara Tribou, Gardiner while working for the Red Cross during Karen Heck, Waterville April 1994 Page 5

Celebrate Maine Women With The Lobby's Poster... continued from page 4 ______

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Kate Furbish (1834-1931) moved to Her husband, Eugene Jan Boissevain, job, tell him of her fears of nuclear war Brunswick as an infant. She collected devoted his life to giving her the freedom and ask him how he was going to prevent plants as a youth but did not begin classi­ to write without worrying about other re­ one. fying the flora of Maine until she was 35. sponsibilities. Andropov invited her to the Soviet Her accurate and detailed drawings as­ Millay was politically active and pro­ Union and she and her parents spent sev­ sured her status as an important contribu­ tested the execution of Saco and Vanzetti. eral days touring the country. As a result tor to the science of botany. She and her husband owned Ragged Is­ of her trip, Samantha became an unoffi­ The Furbish lousewort became re­ land in Casco Bay, which they would visit cial ambassador for peace and worked to nown when it helped halt the building of each year. promote international cooperation. the Dickey-Lincoln Dam. Lillian Nordica (1859-1914) of She and her father wrote a book, Sixteen volumes of her drawings of Farmington was accepted to the New En­ “Samantha Smith: A Journey to the So­ plant specimens are at Bowdoin College gland Conservatory of Music in Boston viet Union.” She advocated the idea of and 4,000 sheet of dried plants are at the at age 14. She sang throughout the U.S. sending the grandchildren of world lead­ New England Botanical Club. and Europe and made her operatic debut ers to other countries, so they would think She died at age 98 and is buried in Pine in 1879 in Don Giovanni. She sang at twice before bombing their granddaugh­ Grove Cemetery in Brunswick. numerous European opera houses and was ters’ friends. Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) a regular at the New York Metropolitan Samantha and her father were killed moved to Camden with her mother and Opera from 1893 to 1907. in a plane crash in 1985. Her spirit lives siblings in 1904. At age 19, she entered a She was a feminist and believed on through the Samantha Smith Founda­ poetry contest. Millay didn’t win, but her strongly in women’s rights. She sang “The tion, created to increase international co­ poem “Renascence” brought her to the Star Spangled Banner” at a women’s operation and understanding, particularly attention of Caroline Dow of the YWCA rights rally in 1911. She died after con­ among children. training school in New York City. With tracting pneumonia in 1914 and her ashes The first Monday of June is designated her support, Millay entered Vassar Col­ are buried in the New York Bay Cemetery. as Samantha Smith Day in Maine, and is lage at age 21. A museum in Farmington contains many a time to honor her spirit and courage. She wrote poetry and magazine ar- of her costumes, music and memorabilia. These posters cost $5 for one and $3 tides under the name Nancy Boyd, and Samantha Smith 1972-1985 of for each additional poster. reported from Europe for several years. Houlton moved to Manchester in 1980. Checks should be made to the Maine In 1923, she won the Pulitzer Prize for At age 10, Samantha wrote a letter to Yuri Women’s Lobby and mailed to P.O. Box Poetry for her volume of poems, “Ballad Andropov to congratulate him on his new 15, Hallowell, ME 04347. of the Harp Weaver.”

Match these Maine Women with their achievements: a. Suffragist, international opera singer, sang at a 1911 womens rights rally. b. First woman Pulitzer Prize winner in poetry. c. Botanist, collected and classified Maine flora. / d. Maine Guide who taught President Roosevelt to fly fish. e. Internationally known singer, dancer and actress. f. Peace activist, author, Girl Scout and interviewer ofpresidential candidates. g. Social activist for mental health re­ Answers: a. Lillian Nordica b. Edna St. Vincent Millay c. Kate Furbush form and Superintendent of U.S. Army d. Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby e. Molly Spotted Tdk f. Samantha Smith g. Dorothea Dix nurses in the Civil War. Page 6 Maine Women's Lobby Newsletter

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Great Escape Winners Women's Development Institute The Maine Women’s Lobby netted Wins Haymarket Grant about $2,800 from its Great Escapes Raffle. The drawing was held on Jan. 21. The Women’s Development Institute allow women working full-time to sup­ The winners and their prizes are: (WDI) has been awarded $2,000 from port their children while staying above Barbara Jessen — Two nights for two the Haymarket People’s Fund to address the poverty level. at the Point Fir Bed and Breakfast. the causes of poverty, disenfranchise­ Haymarket funds will be used to Dr. Vivian Holmes — One night for two ment and political powerlessness build a “welfare reform” coalition to at the Maine Roads Bed and Break­ through community building efforts. focus public debate on issues of eco­ fast. The grant application process was nomic justice and to conduct focus Vivian Wadas — Two tickets to a Bos­ very competitive and 36 organizations groups to better under the fears, beliefs ton Celtics game. applied. WDI’s proposal was one of 13 and values that underlie public attitudes Peter Linsey — An Eastern River Expe­ that received funding. toward the welfare system and propos­ ditions raft trip on the Kennebec River. The grant will partially fund WDI’s als to reform it. Peter and Mary Walsh — A day-long project to analyze Maine’s economy and WDI is currently raising additional sail on Muscongus Bay. welfare programs to determine why so funds for the project. If you are inter­ Gary Lennox — The book Moving the many Maine women and children are ested in working on the project or would Mountain: the Women’s Movement in poor, to educate the public about these like more information, call WDI at 623- America Since 1960. realities and to formulate a proposal to 0851. Judy Wilson — Two nights for two at the Inn on South Street in Kennebunk. Thanks again to all the donors and volunteers who helped make this fund- raising event a success.

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McKernan Proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month

May 1 in Lewiston. Third Annual Gov. John R. McKernan recently pro­ Other• events in area communities. in- claimed April to be Sexual Assault Aware­ elude: Pizza Challenge to benefit the Sexual ness Month in Maine. In his proclama­ April 26 in Auburn. Date Rape Aware­ Assault Crisis Center. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tion, he noted that the Maine Coalition ness for Parents Workshop, 6:30 p.m. at at the Lewiston Armory. Against Rape, through its legislative and Edward Little High School. May 22 in Portland. Chocolate Lov­ educational endeavors as well as its di­ April 28 in Brunswick. First annual ers Fling to benefit the Rape Crisis Cen­ rect services offered at rape crisis centers, meeting of the Mid-coast Sexual Assault ter. 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn by the Bay. has worked toward a society where all Support Center featuring keynote speaker For information about these and other men, women and children can live in Jerry Hinton, Brunswick’s police chief. events, call your local rape crisis center peace, safe from violence and exploita­ His topic will focus on community polic­ or the Maine Coalition Against Rape at tion. ing. It is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the 800-759-9985. During April, there are several pro­ Brunswick Naval Air Station. r gram addressing this issues, including a April 30 in Farmington. Take Back the cable show entitled, “Women’s Safety: At Night March, 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Issue in Maine.” County Courthouse. April 1994 Page 7

Women's Health Equity Day Educates Lawmakers

Women’s Health Equity Day, held avoided with regular pap smears. political issues. One woman told of as­ March 8 in Augusta, taught the public and Seventy-five percent of all breast can­ sisting a friend during the time when abor­ state lawmakers about the health needs cers occur in women who are not consid­ tions were illegal. Another learned she had of Maine women. ered to be at high risk. thyroid cancer when she visited a family The forum, organized by the Maine Contraceptive services are the point of planning clinic. Choice Coalition of which the Maine entry for many women into the health care A breast cancer survivor emphasized Women’s Lobby is a member, focused on system. For that reason, and to protect the need for support and services for health care reform. Key note speakers women’s confidentiality, these services breast cancer victims. Kitty Kolbert, vice president of the Cen­ and their privacy must be safeguarded. Laura Fortman, lobbyist for the Maine ter for Reproductive Law and Policy, and Kolbert urged women to become ac­ Women’s Lobby, wrapped up the morn­ Joanne D’Arcangelo, chair of the Maine tive in the upcoming U.S. Senate and ing with a workshop to teach participants Choice Coalition, addressed how women Congressional elections. There are still how to approach their legislators when would fare under state and federal health about 60 votes in Congress each year on conveying how they feel about health re­ reform proposals. choice issues, ranging from Medicaid form and women’s issues. Kolbert stressed the need for a reform funding for abortion to military veterans’ Participants and the public then had package that would guarantee women’s access to abortion in military hospitals. an opportunity to meet with legislators most basic health needs. She urged These are some of the underpinnings that (and lobby them) and view the inner women to encourage reform, but to be preserve, or deny, access to safe abortions workings of the State House. vigilant to how reform would affect and comprehensive health care for Members are encouraged to track, on women. women. both federal and state levels, the course Cervical and breast cancer statistics Access to safe, legal abortions and of health care reform. Long term health point to the need for a comprehensive equitable reform of the health care sys­ care, from mammogram screening cov­ health care package. Nearly half of all tem will not happen without women’s erage to abortion services, are fundamen­ cervical cancer is diagnosed among activism, she warned. tal rights and must be accessible to all women age 55 and older. Meanwhile, 90 Many women spoke during Health women. percent of all cervical cancer could be Equity Day, lending a human face to these

Figure Out Who To Support For Governor

Come ask questions of Maine’s guber­ Women’s Issues Working Group of the natorial candidates in person. University of Maine. A gubernatorial candidates’ reception You can also attend a reception, at a and forum is scheduled for 7 p.m., Satur­ cost of $25, which will precede the fo­ day, May 21, in Jewett Hall at the Uni­ rum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. versity of Maine in Augusta. To attend the reception, send a $25 The forum is sponsored by the Maine check made payable to MLGPA/Candi- Lesbian-Gay Political Alliance, the Maine dates’ Forum to 112 State St., Augusta, AIDS Alliance, the Maine Chapter of the ME 04330. National Organization for 'Women, the For more information, call 236-8941, Maine Civil Liberties Union and the 621-2924 or 873-0878. Page 8 Maine Women's Lobby Newsletter

Women's Issues Leadership Council Thanks Major Donors

The Women’s Issues Leadership During 1993, council contributions ership Council campaign and are now so­ Council recognizes the many major con­ supported the work of our lobbyist and liciting new members. They are also ask­ tributors who have helped the Maine contributed to several WDI projects, in­ ing 1993 members to renew their com­ Women’s Lobby and the Women’s Devel­ cluding outreach in Aroostook County mitment. opment Institute, its research and educa­ and Lewiston-Auburn, development of a They invite all Lobby members who tion arm, through their generosity. brochure on sexual harassment in the are committed to economic, educational Last year, Lobby board member Janet workplace for people with low reading and social equality for Maine women to Waldron conceived the idea of the coun­ levels, and production of easy-to-read join the council by filling out the com­ cil and ran the first campaign, which so­ brochures on child care, Medicaid, and bined council and Lobby membership licited donations in excess of $240. She Earned Income Tax Credits for women form on page 12. enlisted 59 contributors and raised more leaving welfare. We wish to thank the following than $23,000. Pierrette Kelly and Linda Wilcox are women and men who became 1993 chairing the 1994 Women’s Issues Lead­ Women’s Issues Leadership Council members.

$1,000+ $240 to $499 Nancy Kelleher • Anonymous Patricia Aho Elizabeth Kinnicutt Linda Dyer Kathryn Monahan Ainsworth Linda Kley Alice Giovanella Barbara Alexander Catherine Lee Karen Heck Anonymous Norma Marin Lisa Miller Lorraine Ostergren-Anderson Dale McCormick Darrilyn Peters Robert Burgess Mary McPherson Charles and Rebecca Ruff ■ Catherine Charette Jeffrey Melanson Liz Crandall Dorcas Miller $500 to $999 Joanne D’ Arcangelo Susan Mitchell Atkins Printing Downeast Health Services Herb and Lizzie Poole George Campbell Jon Doyle Barbara Reinertsen Coastal Enterprises Inc. Jill Duson Trish Riley Eleanor Goldberg Rebecca Farnum t Annee Tara Ellen Golden Jane Fisher Barbara Tribou Mary Hillas Carol Ford Janet Waldron Robert S. Howe Jane Gilbert and Nancy Fritz Peter and Betsy Wiley Kennbec Valley Community Mary Herman Linda and Gordon Wilcox Action Program Ann Hill Vendean Vafiades Gregory Luck Rebecca Jackson Sam Zaitlin Jackie Potter Bambi Jones Betsy Sweet Kathleen Urban April 1994 Page 9

Women Urged To Bid Maine Premiere Of The House Of The Spirits On Rehab Work To Benefit Lobby

A special matinee showing the film The Kennebec Valley Community KVCAP will purchase government- version of Isabel Allende’s The House of Action Program (KVCAP) has received owned single-family houses, renovate the Spirits will be held at 1 p.m., Satur­ funding from the U.S. Department of them and sell them to eligible families. day, June 18, in Waterville. All proceeds Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The program’s grant funding helps will benefit the Maine Women’s Lobby. to develop affordable housing for fami­ reduce mortgages to keep the purchase The showing will be held at the Rail­ lies in Kennebec and Somerset counties price affordable for low-income buyers. road Square Cinema. whose income does not exceed: Anyone who meets these income The film stars Meryl Streep as Clara — $15,600 for a family of three in guidelines and would like to purchase a the Clairvoyant. It depicts three genera­ Kennebec County and $ 14,300 for a fam­ home should contact Kathy Walker at tions of the del Valle/Trueba family in ily of three in Somerset County. KVCAP at 873-2122, ext. 245, to find out 20th-century Argentina. — $18,750 for a family of five in more information. The book offers a rich tale of strong Kennebec County and $ 17,150 for a fam­ Minority and women-owned busi­ women, magic and struggle within this ily of five in somerset County. nesses who are interested in bidding on South American society. any of the rehabilitation work should also contact Walker.

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May 18 is National Women's Reproductive Health Call-In Day

Be part of a national day of grassroots Universal health care is not universal action to protect a woman’s right to if it doesn’t include women’s reproduc­ choose. tive health care, including family plan­ On May 18, call your Congressperson ning, contraceptive services, abortion ser­ and Senators in Washington at 202-224- vices, prenatal care and sex education for 3121 (the main switchboard) or their near­ all women. ' est district office nearest you to tell them Alert everyone you know and sign up that women’s reproductive health ser­ people to pledge to participate in the call- vices, including abortion, are a vital and in day. necessary part of universal health care. For more information, call 623-2729. CANDIDATES FOR THE BALLOT MAINE WOMEN’S LOBBY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Maine Women’s Lobby Board of Directors SUSAN AARONSON 1994-1996 Susan is president and chief executive officer of the Maine Maine Women’s Lobby members may Coalition for Excellence in Education, a statewide vote for up to eleven candidates. Please partnership of people from business, education, government, mark your ballot, fold it so the return mail and the community who are committed to achieving fundamental change in public education. She has a long panel shows, staple, attach a stamp and history of advocacy and passionate concern for women’s mail to the Maine Women’s Lobby by issues, the earliest being reproductive rights and the most May 27. recent being breast cancer research. Susan lives in Portland.

t □ Susan Aaronson SUSAN ALLEIN

□ Susan Allein Susan is the Waterville Area Coordinator of the Displaced Homemakers Program. Susan would like to join the board so that she can become a more visible and effective advocate □ Deborah Cummings-Khadraoui for Maine women. She is interested in promoting women’s self-sufficiency and economic development that is attune to □ Lori Doty women and families. Susan lives in Fairfield.

□ Eileen Fingerman DEBORAH CUMMINGS-KHADRAOUI □ Joyce Grondin Deborah is a consultant in economic development to the Maine Department of Transportation and the City of □ Dianne Parkinson Portland. She is interested in joining the board because she wants to insure that all women, including women of color, □ Elizabeth Reinheimer are represented and have a voice in the Lobby and at the I legislature. She is a member of the Governor’s Commission □ Rose Scribner to Promote the Understanding of Diversity in Maine. Deborah lives in Portland.

□ Andrew Wilcox LORI DOTY

□ Linda Wilcox Lori is a trainee with the Displaced Homemakers Program and is a single parent. She is interested in joining the board I Other:______so she can speak on behalf of women on issues concerning low income women and their children. She has advocated for women before the board of her local housing authority. Lori lives in Winslow.

Please II ail ballot by May 27. I EILEEN FINGERMAN

Eileen Fingerman is a family physician at the Richmond Area Health Center. She welcomes the opportunity to work on issues that will empower women to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Eileen lives in Oakland. JOYCE GRONDIN ROSE SCRIBNER

Joyce wishes to join the board because of her interest in Rose is the president and chairperson of the Penobscot increasing women’s educational opportunities, equal Cultural Center. She is the co-founder of a women’s group opportunity for employment, freedom from abusive on Indian Island called Nadabe Sacred Circle. She knows relationships, freedom of reproductive choice, and rights to she could be of great assistance to women in the mainstream. health insurance. Joyce lives in Hallowell. She believes it is time for Indian women to become more involved with all women’s rights. Rose lives on Indian Island. DIANNE PARKINSON ANDREW WILCOX Dianne Parkinson is a full-time student at University of Southern Maine and a single parent. She has a certificate in Andrew is a computer consultant specializing in training and pollution abatement from Southern Maine Technical College. database design. He has volunteered time to the Lobby Dianne wants to join the lobby board because she wants to redesigning and updating the membership database. He is become more involved in the politics and workings of public interested in legislation which is effective in solving assistance in Maine and the needs of women and children problems facing Maine women. Andrew lives in North who are forced to become participants in the system. Monmouth. Dianne lives in Cornish. LINDA WILCOX ELIZABETH REINHEIMER Linda is assistant director of Women Unlimited, a training Elizabeth has worked for the lobby on a project analyzing program for women in trade and technical occupations. She the change in the economic status of Maine women. In the has been on the board five years, the last two as chair. She last legislative session she served as clerk to the Committee wants to serve another term because of her belief that the on Human Resources. She would like to bring this Lobby is the most powerful voice in Maine for women and experience to the Lobby board. She is a single parent. her wish to continue the development of the Women’s Issues Elizabeth lives in Rockland. Leadership Council. Linda lives in North Monmouth.

All members are invited to the Maine WomenII ’s Lobby’s Annual Meeting, June 1, 1994, at the South Parish Congregational Church on State Street in Augusta. Dinner at 5:30, business meetingII at 6:15. Call the Lobby for directions: 622-0851.

Maine Women’s Lobby P.O. Box 15 290 Hallowell, ME 04347 stamp required

Maine Women’s Lobby P.O. Box 15 Hallowell, ME 04347 Page 12 Maine Women's Lobby Newsletter

MEMBERSHIP FORM

I want to help improve the lives of Maine Women and their families.

Women’s Issues Maine Women’s Lobby Leadership Council Q My check, payable to the Maine Women’s Lobby, is enclosed. $100 Sponsoring $1000 Champion $ 50 Supporting $ 750 Benefactor □ I would like to pay in______$ 25 Individual $ 500 Sustainer installments. $ 10 Student $ 250 Contributor $ Other*

My contribution is $ ______

Name______Home Phone______Business Phone______

Address______Town ______Zip______

Q I do not want my name given to other groups.

* The Maine Women’s Lobby is committed to representing women of all economic means. Any contribution you are able to make will entitle you to membership.

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID m Maine AUGUSTA, ME Womens PERMIT NO. 452 Lobby P.O. Box 15, Hallowell, Maine 04347

. Jun 1, 1994 University of Maine Women's Resource Center 5728 Fernaid Hall, Rm. 101. Orono, ME 04469