A day to honor our dead: Memorial Day
In April and May of 1866, businesses closed, flags were at half-staff and Decoration Day or Memorial Day events for Civil War dead took place in numerous locations connected with the origins of Memorial Day. The Grand Army of the Republic established May 30 as Decoration Day in 1868, a day to decorate graves of Civil War dead with flowers, and state legislatures designated that date across the nation by 1900. After World War I, the day was expanded to include all who died in American wars, and in 1971, it became a national holiday and placed on the last Monday in May.
Read more about Memorial Day...
Employment rights for pregnant women
For many expecting mothers, working outside of the home during a pregnancy is not a choice. A recent U.S. Census study revealed more than 60 percent of women having their first child worked outside of the home during their pregnancy. In comparison, only 40 percent of women worked during pregnancy in the 1960s.
State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D - Chicago Heights) passed a proposal out of the Senate this week that would ensure women who work outside of the home during their pregnancy are able to receive the work accommodations they need from their employers.
Read more and watch video on pregnant workers' rights...
Righting history with ERA ratification
The Illinois Senate approved a resolution this week to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. If three-fifths of House members agree, Illinois will become the 36th state to ratify the ERA, and only two additional states will need to sign on in order to reach the three-fourths threshold for constitutional amendments.
"Generations of women have struggled simply to establish as one of our nation's core values that discrimination based on gender is wrong, yet this issue is as timely and urgent as ever," said State Senator Heather Steans (D - Chicago), sponsor of the resolution. "From equal pay to equal health care access to fair treatment on college campuses, women's rights are at risk as long as they are not protected in the Constitution."
Read more about ratification...
Also this week:
Koehler plan to streamline farmers market regulations goes to governor
Mulroe advances Lauren's Law with AED training
Biss' Secure Choice plan advances in Illinois House
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