Legislative Update- Week 15

Click here for the updated tracking grid.

What an exciting week!  The legislature is getting towards the end, but there is still lots of important things happening.  

The Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Bill, SB 2284, has been well received throughout legislative session as there is strong recognition that Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are vital services for rape victims. Last week, the House Appropriations Committee moved to strip all funding from this important bill.  This was unacceptable, and we are happy to report that $250,000 has been put BACK into the bill.  Thank you to the almost 400 people who signed the petition urging the restoration of funds.  It made all the difference! SB2284 should be heard on the floor of both houses SOON, so there is still time to contact your legislators and as for a YES vote.  Take that action here. 

Renee Stromme, Champion of Change for Working Families

Yesterday, you may have seen that Renee Stromme, executive director of NDWN, received the Champions of Change for Working Families award at the White House.  President Obama was there to meet Renee and even gave statements about the great work she is doing for women and families in North Dakota.  All of us have been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support and kindness.  This is truly an award that belongs to EVERY person who is a part of the North Dakota Women's Network, in all ways big and small, and it is so wonderful to see the change we are making together!  

Check out the press release and photos from the event on our website HERE.

Watch the President's remarks HERE.

Read the transcript of the the President's remarks HERE.   

Because of many scheduling conflicts over the next few weeks, we won’t be hosting videoconference updates. But there are many opportunities to keep engaged.

Show support for Equality by reserving a flag on the Capitol Lawn.

Inspired by the We Will Remember Your Vote project of 2013, the mission of this project is to place a small flag in the NW corner of the ND State Capitol grounds for each individual who wishes to voice opposition to the actions of the ND State Legislature on SB2279 and show support for equal rights for LGBT citizens in ND. This event will be a nonviolent, powerful display of our collective voice and an easy, affordable way for ALL to participate.

This amazing event will run from April 20-24, 2015. We will take sign ups for flags through April 18th! 

To make your voice COUNT, please go to this link  

Solidarity Saturdays will be held  Saturday, April 18th at 1pm in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks. Join us for informative and invigorating discussion and important action alerts. This one's a doozy- don't miss it- lots to plug into! 
Equality Counts North Dakota event, Referral of the Corporate Farming Bill, the Transpacific Partnership, and MORE!

LOCATION INFORMATION:
Grand Forks: 1pm at Christus Rex 3012 University Ave
Fargo: 1pm at Red Raven 916 Main Ave
Bismarck: 1pm at DRC Office 1200 Missouri Ave (use the North Door)