Martin O'Malley on fighting for women and families
Fought for Women and Families
Maryland is ranked #1 in the Nation for Women
Under Governor OMalley, Maryland was ranked the best state for Women in America. According to the Center For American Progress, on matters of economics, leadership, and health, women, on average, fared the best in Maryland. Maryland also ranked #1 percentage of women owned businesses, and #1 for lowest wage gap between genders.
Signed The Maryland Lilly Ledbetter Civil Rights Restoration Act
Governor OMalley signed the state Lilly Ledbetter Civil Rights Restoration Act, to help women hold their employers accountable for pay discrimination.
Diversified The Court
Governor OMalley appointed the first woman ever to be Chief Judge of Marylands highest court, and he named the first African-American female to serve on the court. That court, the Court of Appeals, now has a female majority for the first time in its history.
Defended Womens Reproductive Rights
Governor OMalley earned NARALs endorsement in 2010, and was honored by Planned Parenthood for his his outstanding leadership in protecting and advancing reproductive rights in Maryland. OMalley signed the Family Planning Works Act giving 35,000 low-income women access to free pregnancy counseling, contraception, and cancer and STI screenings.
Enacted the Maryland Parental Leave Act
Governor OMalley signed legislation requiring small businesses to offer six weeks of family leave without the possibility of job loss.