Capitol Heels Report: Big Wins for Women! (Session Wrap-Up)
The legislature adjourned today, May 18, and here’s a quick update.
Last week, the legislature reconvened for six full days of work and passed both the General Fund and Education Trust Fund budgets, including funding fortwo of the policy priorities in our 2020 Agenda for Women.
So, while it’s certainly been strange, this legislative year comes to an end with definitive wins for women in Alabama.
The legislature continued its public investment in and scaling of proven post-secondary models, created and incubated by The Women’s Fund and community colleges in the Greater Birmingham area. This model propels more women into in-demand jobs in fields like health care, manufacturing, and IT and includes training and critical wraparound supports such as child care and transportation.
Investment in Maternal Health
The passed budgets included nearly half a million dollars in funding to investigate maternal deaths. Alabama has the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the country. By fully funding the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the legislature is demonstrating a commitment to better understanding and changing this reality for Alabama mothers.
The Capitol Heels Report is a periodic update from The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham on relevant public policy issues that impact women in Alabama. Click here to learn more about our advocacy work.