Women. We find new solutions to old problems. We care about children, education, health, fair pay and jobs with living wages; we care about Indiana’s future.
We are 51 percent of the population. When we vote, families and communities win. When we’re concerned, we go to work, and we change the world.
Today, on Women’s Equality Day, when we celebrate women’s right to vote, we’re concerned about the future of our state. The statistics on women, children, families and our state’s economy don’t look good. Consider this:
A recent Prudential Financial study showed that the majority of American women are now the breadwinners in their households. Yet in Indiana we still make only 74 cents compared to every dollar made by our white male counterparts. If we happen to be African American, that’s only 62 cents, and, if we are Hispanic, 54 cents.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, one in five Hoosier children lives in poverty, and, in 2010 nearly half a million free and reduced school lunches were served in Indiana. We know that children who struggle with hunger are less prepared to enter school, and children who don’t perform well in school are more likely to drop out. Teens who do not graduate from high school are three times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed and — even more sobering — teens who don’t complete high school are eight times more likely than high school graduates to end up in jail or prison. Completing fewer than 12 years of education is a strong predictor of repeated unplanned pregnancies, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Hoosier teenage girls have a birth rate significantly higher than the national average. For every 1,000 young women aged 15-19, there are approximately 44 births. We know that teen mothers are less likely to complete high school. Teen mothers are also at a greater risk of dependence on federal aid: approximately one quarter of teen mothers go on welfare within three years of the child’s birth. We know that daughters of teen mothers are 22 percent more likely to become teen mothers themselves and that sons of teen mothers are 13 percent more likely to be incarcerated.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, Indiana ranks 49th in the United States in terms of access to family planning services. We know that every $1 spent on family planning saves taxpayers $4 associated with the costs of unintended pregnancy that end up being paid for with public dollars.
Wage discrimination, policies and practices that discriminate and lack of access to comprehensive sex education and contraceptives not only make Indiana less welcoming, they also contribute to the growing problem of poverty in our state.
We’ve heard that this fall’s elections are about jobs and the economy. On this day when we commemorate women’s right to vote, we remind our candidates for public office that “women’s issues” are not separate from jobs and the economy – they are the foundation for creating a strong, well-prepared workforce and the key to a thriving economy. We want to elect leaders who will support what we know works:
n Jobs that provide Hoosier families with living wages.
n Equal pay practices for women and men who perform the same jobs.
n Access to comprehensive sex education so our young people know how to protect themselves against disease and unplanned pregnancies.
n Access to family planning services, including contraception, so that families have the tools to determine for themselves how best to grow and succeed.
This fall, we women must make our voices heard. We must examine our candidates’ positions and their records. And we must vote for the ones who will stand with us to make Indiana a place where every individual has the opportunity to grow and prosper.
— American Association of University Women
State President Sharon Langlotz
— Central Indiana Jobs with Justice
Community Organizer Amy Shackelford
— Indiana Federation of Business and
Professional Women State President Theresa Adams
— Indiana Federation of Democratic Women
State-Wide Coordinator Trish Whitcomb-Sipes
— Indiana Religious Coalition in Support of
Reproductive Justice Co-Presidents
Sue Ellen Braunlin, M.D., and Carolyn Meagher
— National Council of Jewish Women
State Public Affairs Chair Robyn Pauker-Honig
— National Organization for Women
State President Robin Olds
— Planned Parenthood of Indiana
President & CEO Betty Cockrum
Opinion
FLASHPOINT: This election, women must make their voices heard
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
- More Opinion Headlines
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Robot Action Connected to Human Thought
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Today in History June 19
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired
Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
