Under new rules that the Small Business Administration is set to adopt, women-owned small businesses would be given the same preferences in bidding for federal contracts that are available to businesses considered to be disadvantaged. The rules would apply to contracts worth less than $3 million and would allow agencies to restrict competition for such contracts to businesses owned primarily by women

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2007/07/23/story13.html?b=1185163200^1492957&hbx=e_abd

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The Paid Family Leave Coalition will be holding a press event in Albany July 26 to demand that the Senate pass Paid Family Leave. From the New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition.

New York State
Paid Family Leave Coalition
Working Together for New York's Working Families
http://www.timetocareny.org/

Good Evening,

There is still a chance to get Paid Family Leave passed this year!

The Assembly has already passed a paid family leave bill - A 9245 - that would allow for up to 12 weeks of paid leave to stay home with a newborn or newly adopted child, or to care for a seriously ill family member. But the Senate has not brought it up for a vote.

The Legislature is coming back into session this Thursday to act on a few pressing items. And they are likely to come back yet again before the year is out. We want to take advantage of all eyes being on Albany to send the message that we need paid family leave in New York state - Now!

If you can be in the Albany area this Thursday July 26th please join us for our press event with Mom's Rising's Onesies to draw attention to the need for PFL in NYS.

What: Demand that the Senate pass Paid Family Leave
Where: LOB steps
When: Thursday July 26th. Gather at 11:30 for 11:45 event.
RSVP: 212-226-1808

In addition if you have not already had the opportunity to do so, encourage the Senate to pass Paid Family Leave by using the following link hosted on Mom's Rising's website to send your Senator a message supporting this legislation:
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/momsrising/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=12196

Thanks for your continued dedication,
The New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition

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Governor Spitzer's urges the New York State Senate to make Paid Family Leave a priority. From the The New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition.

New York State
Paid Family Leave Coalition
Working Together for New York's Working Families
http://www.timetocareny.org/

Good Afternoon,

Important Update!

As you have no doubt heard, it appears that the State legislative leadership has reached some agreement on campaign finance reform and congestion pricing. As announced in Governor Spitzer's July 19th press release (excerpt below), he has not forgotten about paid family leave and has identified it as one of the key issues to be worked through.

Policy Discussions to Continue

"In addition, the leaders agreed to continue talks on legislation discussed in the open leaders' meetings and conference committees on issues involving video violence, an expanded DNA data bank, additional Capital investments for higher education, the healthy schools initiative, Paid Family Leave, Wicks, Article 10, Empire Zones and Brownfields reforms."

Its now up to the Senate - on June 22nd the Assembly passed A9245 the legislation advocating for Paid Family Leave in New York State. If the Senate acts now we can win Paid Family Leave for all New Yorkers.

It is critically important that you contact your State Senator along with Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and let them know that Paid Family Leave is a priority. We have heard that all the phone calls, emails and faxes have made a significant difference and we need to keep the pressure on. A database containing the contact information for the New York State Senate has been attached to this e-mail for your reference. Call today! Call next week! The Senate needs to hear your voice!

Thanks for your continued dedication,
The New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition

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