Legislative Women Talk Dedication and Government
According to US Census statistics, women make up just over 50 percent of West Virginia’s current population. However, women have historically been under-represented in government.
The state legislature has greatly increased in female representation over the years. The 18 women out of 100 members in the House of Delegates come together to create the women’s caucus to focus on representing West Virginia women.
“I know it’s cliché to say,” said Caucus Chairwoman Jill Upson, “but it’s true, the women’s caucus has created a sort of sisterhood between us. We come together each week no matter what party or view and we focus on bettering West Virginia for all women.”
Upson said the women’s caucus hit the ground running during this 2016 session by bringing in groups weekly to discuss issues that impact women and their families throughout the state.
“Jobs are the biggest issue for me this session,” said Delegate Saira Blair.
As the youngest member of both the caucus and the House of Delegates as a whole, Blair brings a fresh college perspective to the issues that matter most.
“People my age are leaving this state due to the lack of jobs,” said Blair. “We have passed several bills this session that will finally get people watching West Virginia for a good reason and will help improve our state.”
Delegate Upson and Delegate Blair agreed that one of the most exciting bills for West Virginia this session was the “Uber Bill,” House Bill 4228.
“It’s so important that we finally allowed Uber to come to this state,” Upson said. “I know a woman who drives for Uber on the weekends and it greatly helps supplement her regular income. This bill will help bring jobs to West Virginia and help out all West Virginians.”
Across the rotunda, the Senate has a true icon among its members for what it means to be a dedicated representative.
“For three or four years it has been just me, the only woman,” said Senator Donna Boley, “but what was worse was in 1991 when I was the only Republican, now that was tough.”
Senator Boley’s women’s caucus of one grew to two this year when Governor Tomblin appointed Sue Cline to fill a vacant Senate seat.
“It’s been very nice to have another female representative in the Senate this session,” Boley said. “We are always treated fairly, and women bring a different perspective to many issues, like a mother’s perspective.”
In both chambers, the women receive a lot of respect from their male counterparts and perhaps that is partially due to the change in what a woman’s issue means today.
“They have always treated me like one of the guys in the Senate,” Boley said. “That may be because I have never really viewed issues as women’s or men’s; they are everyone’s issues.”
The sentiment is one Delegate Upson and Senator Boley seem to share.
“Our number one issue in West Virginia is jobs,” said Upson. “It’s a women’s issue, but it’s an everyone issue.”
The importance of the women’s caucus rests upon an ability to gather together and bridge party gaps by focusing on what matters to women and families throughout the state. Delegate Upson said she would be extending an invitation to Senator Boley and Senator Cline to join their women’s caucus.
