Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts, speaks at the annual luncheon of the National Partnership for Women and Families. He says that because of [Senator] Hillary Clinton, children’s imaginations are broader. Also, he says that because of [Senator] Barack Obama, people know that “ethnicity is not destiny.” (0:37)
At the National Partnership for Women and Families’ annual luncheon, Michelle Obama explains the struggles of military families. She also refers to two women who spoke at the luncheon. Tammy Edwards, an airline stewardess, cannot receive the benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Jennifer Hunt, whose husband was seriously injured in Iraq, depended on the Family and Medical Leave Act to have six months of time off work to care for her husband. Obama wonders when policies will truly endorse women and families. (0:53)
At the National Partnership for Women and Families’ annual luncheon, Michelle Obama says that it is time for “the leaders of this country…to fight for the issues every single day.” She praises the Partnership for prioritizing problems of families and women. She also expresses the urgency of handling issues like medical leave, pay equity, and universal healthcare. (1:01)
The National Partnership for Women and Families held its annual luncheon to celebrate its accomplishments over the past year and address the issues it still faces. Michelle Obama and Deval Patrick spoke at the luncheon. Debra Ness, president of the Partnership, said that the Partnership helped to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act this year. She is very optimistic for more progress, despite so many more challenges. She said that women can still be fired over pregnancies and that nearly half of all private sector workers do not get paid sick leave.
Michelle Obama said that she understands the plights of women and families today. She has met with women who are scared of not being able to pay for food, scared to take time off for sickness, and scared of being fired for pregnancies. She said that the National Partnership for Women and Families has been an advocate and a leader when it comes to these issues.
At the luncheon, the Partnership honored Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts. Patrick listed his grievances with the policies of the current Presidential administration. With the success of Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), he said that he believes people once again believe in their abilities to make change.
