Greetings!
Women's Resource Center is thrilled to present our first E-newsletter. If you have any suggestions or comments for improvements to future issues, please let us know. Thanks for reading!
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Ledbetter Act Passes in House and Senate
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(Excerpts from the Economic Equity Insider: Women Work!
Legislative Bulletin)
In a victory for pay equality, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay
Act passed in the House of Representatives on January 9th and in the
Senate on January 22nd. On January 29, 2009 President Obama signed the Act into law. The Ledbetter Act clarifies the 1964 Civil Rights Act to state that employees have six months
after their last discriminatory paycheck - that is, the last time they were paid unfairly
based on a discriminatory decision - to file a suit.
Although this is an
important legislative victory, real progress toward pay equity remains to be
won. It is therefore essential for advocates to keep pushing for equal pay
legislation - starting with the Paycheck Fairness Act, which was also passed by
the House on January 9th. This bill, now
in the Senate, would help close the gender gap by strengthening the
government's enforcement efforts and encouraging employers to review pay
practices, among other provisions. For more information on what you can do to help eliminate pay inequity, visit www.pay-equity.org.
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In Her Words
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In 2008, WRC served over 900 women on their journey to economic self-sufficiency. One client wrote to express what WRC meant to her.
"I just wanted to say thank you to the various people who have helped me at WRC. I don't have a permanent job yet, but I'm getting some interviews. All the people who helped me - the person who leads the Job Search group, the person who helped me with making a plan of action, the person who helped me with my resume, and the secretary - were all kind, helpful, and very professional, which are things I have not experienced in quite a while in jobs or job searches! It made me realize what I can expect from employers, and that I don't have to settle for poor treatment.
I think the Center is wonderful in the way it helps the whole person, as we are all at different stages of our life experiences. I may still need some support, and I know I will find it there. Thanks again for all your help!"
-WRC Client
Your support will help WRC continue to assist clients like this in realizing their personal and professional potential.
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West Michigan Women's Expo Volunteers
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Women's Resource Center will be running the coat check at West Michigan Women's Expo on March 14, 2009. Stop on by to say hello and support WRC!
We are still in need of a few more volunteers to help us out. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Sandy Healey at 616.458.5443 ext. 111 or email shealey@grwrc.org.
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| Interested in a Kent County Rx Discount Card? |
The Kent County Rx discount card is available to all Kent County residents. There is no income or age restriction. Residents can receive the card by registering at www.accesskent.com/OnlineServices/rxcard.htm or at www.aaawm.org. The discount card is accepted at most major chain pharmacies. You can also use the pharmacy finder at www.michiganrxcard.com/index.php. You may be wondering 'How much money will the card save me?' The average savings are 35% off the cost of the drug. The card may be used in place of prescription insurance but not with the prescription insurance. Ask your pharmacist what the cash cost is, the cost with the discount card, and the cost with any insurance you might have. This helps to ensure that you will receive the lowest price. Click on the link below for more information. Rx Discount Card FAQs |
