New York State women have played key roles in the advancement of women's rights throughout history. Famous women with ties to Saratoga and Washington counties include Susan B. Anthony and her sister Mary Stafford Anthony, who were leaders in the women's suffrage movement. Lucy Skidmore Scribner's school for working women eventually became Skidmore College. Katrina Trask co-founded Yaddo, a beautiful retreat for writers and artists in Saratoga Springs which has nurtured some of the greatest talent of recent years. Anna Mary Robertson "Grandma" Moses is now one of the most well-known folk artists of our time, and she was born and lived in our area. We have much to be proud of.

Today, we continue to work to expand women's rights and equality. As your representative in the Assembly, I'm dedicated to ensuring that women in our state have equal opportunities and are treated by the law with the respect and fairness they deserve. Recently, I helped pass important laws that strengthen women's rights in the workplace and provide protections and support for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Notably, the legislation helps ensure pay equity for women. It is estimated that women make $129 and $122 less per week than their male counterparts in Saratoga and Washington counties, respectively, yet a large number of households are wholly dependent on only a mother's income.¹ If we want our children to have all they need to succeed, then we must ensure their mothers are paid fairly.

Women's History Month is an important time to reflect on our past, recommit ourselves to the fight for full women's equality and celebrate the achievements women have made. That's why I'm sponsoring the Women of Distinction Awards: to recognize women in our community who are making a difference. These awards are an opportunity to thank those exemplary women who do so much. I'm currently seeking nominations for women who have made an impact in the areas of business/entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, health care, education, and military service. Nominations can be submitted online by Friday, April 1 at tinyurl.com/WoernerNomination.

I also encourage students in grades 6-12 to submit 500-word essays for the Women of Distinction Essay Contest on any woman who has been an inspiration or who has made a positive impact on society. Essays can be submitted to my office via email, by mail, or online at tinyurl.com/WoernerEssay by Friday, April 1. This is an opportunity for young people to learn more about the role women have played in local history and share it with the community. If we want to change the future, we need to ensure that children understand the past.

Women of Distinction honorees and essay contest winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at the Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs. If you have questions about this or any other community issue, please don't hesitate to contact me at 518-584-5493 or woernerc@assembly.state.ny.us.

To view a video clip, please click here.

^{1. syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/04/equal_pay_day_average_working_woman_in_onondaga_county_makes_132_a_week_less_tha.html}