Member of TN BPW/USA

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

Workingwomen Advocates Speak Out on Capitol Hill

Two members of Benton Co. BPW paid a visit to Capitol Hill in Nashville along with 12 other members of the Tennessee Federation of BPW on Wednesday, March 14.  Gail Humphrey and Crystal Decker paid visits to their legislators to discuss various pieces of legislation that affect women.  They visited Representative Willie "Butch" Borchert and Senator Roy Herron and discussed two pieces of legislation:

SB0724/HB1188-Victim's Rights  This Bill authorizes payment of costs of forensic sexual assault examinations (for the purpose of gathering evidence of sexual assault) from the victim compensation fund for sexual assault victims for these expenses that are not compensable under the victim's compensation fund.  BPW/TN is in support of this legislation.

SB1101/HB0991 and SB0725/HB2227  Both of these deal with Child Custody and Support and create a rebuttable presumption that shared custody arrangements or equally shared parenting time (in the case of divorce and/or separation) is in the best interest of a child.  BPW does not support this legislation.  They feel that judges should hear the cases on individual basis and make decisions on the facts -- not automatically grant joint custody.

Following the meetings, Crystal and Gail appeared along with the other 12 members with Governor Bredesen after signing a proclamation for Equal Pay Day, which was April 24. 

Benton Co. BPW, along with members state- and nation-wide, are leading advocates for women and lobby for legislation that affects them.

Members of Benton Co. BPW visit Capitol Hill with Governor Bredesen.  Gail Humphrey is first row,

fourth from right.  Crystal Decker is top row, far right.