SACRAMENTO – Academy Award-Winning Actor and Chair of California’s Commission on the Status of Women Geena Davis joined Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and commissioners Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) in announcing plans to re-establish funding and modernize the California Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW).

More than a dozen members of the legislative women’s caucus, along with CCSW commissioners joined the group in support of the announcement this week.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of a game-changing announcement that will re-establish funding for the Commission,” said CCSW Chair Geena Davis. “There is still much to be done to sustain a public dialogue and create real change for women and for our society as a whole, and the Commission will get back to work, doing just that.”

“It’s clear there’s still a great need for the Commission as a voice and advocate for issues impacting women and families,” said Speaker John A. Pérez. “There are still significant gender inequities we cannot ignore, and the Assembly’s transfer of our savings will ensure that the Commission continues to be an effective advocate for policies proposals that will address these critical issues.”

“We’ve all rallied around the Commission, because we know how important it is as a voice for women of all ages and from all backgrounds,” said Senator Evans. She said the announcement “gives us a chance to continue working on vital issues impacting all of us.”

“This is our chance to regroup, refocus and recommit ourselves to the important work of the CSSW,” said Assemblymember Lowenthal, vice-chair of the legislative women’s caucus and CSSW commissioner. “We have a new vision and now have the resources to implement it.”

Senator Evans’ SB 1345 which would create statutory protection for the Commission on the Status of Women regardless of budget action also passed the Senate Government Organization Committee today with a 9-4 vote.  The bill next goes to Senate Appropriations.

The Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan state agency which advocates women’s issues in the public domain and with the Governor, the Legislature and other public policymakers.

Davis announced that the commission would focus on the following key areas: gender inequality in the media, women and families in the military, business, health and safety, and education

Sarah Shealy, assistant professor at Mount Saint Mary’s College, recently released a report that showed women in California made only 84 cents on the dollar to men, with even greater disparities for Latinas and African American women.

State Senator Noreen Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the Counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma. Senator Evans Chairs the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Committee on Judiciary.