Equal Rights Amendment: Only One More to Go

From the desk of Kathryn Garven

On May 30, 2018, Illinois became the 37th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), when the House passed a ratification bill by a vote of 72-45. Ratification of the ERA by one more state will meet the Constitutional requirement for approval by three-quarters of the states. The states left who have not ratified the ERA are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. Five states have voted to rescind or otherwise withdraw their ratification of the ERA: Nebraska (1973), Tennessee (1974), Idaho (1977), Kentucky (1978), and South Dakota (1979).

Washington Premier Group and Federally Employed Women (FEW), are fighting for the ratification of the ERA. Below is pictured FEW’s president, Wanda Killingsworth, and ERA supporters at the recent rally held by Rep. Maloney (D-NY) outside of the Capitol Building.

Visit http://www.eracoalition.org/ for updates and more information on the ERA.

WPG Attends Federally Employed Women (FEW) 47th National Training Program in Dallas, TX

FEW's Training Program tackles discrimination and other workplace issues in the federal government. 

WASHINGTON PREMIER GROUP ENGAGES NEW CLIENT FEDERALLY EMPLOYED WOMEN (FEW)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brett Roude
(202) 670-2298

Tonya Saunders, Principal of Washington Premier Group, LLC a public, policy government relations firm has recently been selected by the Federally Employed Women (FEW) to serve as their lobbying firm and representative. Washington Premier Group (WPG), for nearly 25 years, has provided strategic advocacy — in health care, energy, small business, transportation and many other issues — representing many of Washington’s most powerful trade associations, coalitions and corporations. Ms. Saunders has also been a staunch advocate on women’s issues, including domestic abuse, stalking and human trafficking.

FEW supports equality for women while addressing specific concerns of women in the federal workforce. Additionally, FEW provides a robust training program, research and development of diverse programs and materials; and promotes the effective use of such programs and materials for women in the workplace.

“In order to maintain a thriving economy and efficient government, we must continue to support pay equality and equal rights in the workforce. It is in the best interest of our schools, communities and business to support the diverse and expanding number of employed women. The work of FEW paved the way for women everywhere and will continue to provide guidance for years to come. I am honored by this opportunity to represent FEW, ” exclaimed Tonya Saunders.

Ms. Michelle Crocket, FEW National President states, “We are confident of a successful business relationship with Washington Premier Group.”

WPG Planned WCOE 30th Anniversary Women Build America Conference 2014

The Washington Premier Group proudly provided event management services to Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE), hosting their 30th Anniversary Women Build America Conference in 2014, and doing the same in 2015. See photos of the event (both years) and related materials below. We couldn't be more happy with the outcome of both conferences! 

Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern

Puerto Rico Herald Credits WPG Principal for Work on Medicare Reimbursement Rates

Washington Premier Group (WPG) Principal Tonya Saunders advocated on behalf of the American Hospital Association to equalize Medicare reimbursement rates for hospitals in Puerto Rico. Below is a citation from the Puerto Rico Herald, in which they credit Ms. Saunders (among others) for the agreement that ultimately improved Puerto Rico's rates formula. 

"A ‘conference’ committee of leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate on legislation to reform the national health care program for the elderly and the disabled this week agreed to an increase in program payments for hospitalizations in Puerto Rico.

The agreement would change Medicare payment rates from being 50 percent based on the rates that apply everywhere else in the nation and 50 percent on local cost factors to 75 percent national rates & 25 percent local costs. The change would be implemented over two years in equal installments. The change would increase payments in Puerto Rico at least $25 million a year when fully implemented.

...

Conference sources credit the following for the agreement to improve the Puerto Rico rates formula: San Juan lobbyist Ortiz; Puerto Rico Hospital Association lobbyist Luis Baco, who formerly worked on the issue for Romero and Rossello, Bayamon, PR hospital owner Richard Machado; Kerry; Fortuno; Thomas; Weller; Clinton and other 2000 federal and territorial proponents of the change; Puerto Rican lobbyist Jose Fuentes-Agostini; and Hospital Association lobbyist Tonya Saunders." 

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Written by: Dylan Garcia, Intern