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Congresswoman Lee Named One of the Most Influential Women in Congress

Published

9 years ago

June 5, 2015

Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been named as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Congress by Roll Call, a leading Capitol Hill newspaper devoted to covering Congress.

Congresswoman Lee was recognized in the recently released book “Powerful Women: The 25 Most Influential Women in Congress”, written by Emily Ethridge and the CQ Roll Call newsroom.

The book gives readers a brief history of women in Congress and provides an inside look at who has heft in Congress, why they do and how they wield their power, with in-depth profiles of the 25 women on the list and exclusive color photographs. The book also looks at the five freshmen on the rise, women lawmakers who are making their mark in Congress in their inaugural terms in Washington.

Congresswoman Lee was listed as a “debate shaper and swing vote” given her strong and principled stands, particularly on national security and poverty eradication. She used this opportunity to call for greater efforts to promote, engage and encourage women political leaders.

“It is an honor and privilege to be named to this list along with many of my amazing colleagues,” said Congresswoman Lee.

“Today, women represent just 20 percent of Congress and similar statistics hold true for state legislatures and local elected offices. We must do more to empower women and girls to take action, be part of the political conversation and seek elected office,” Lee added.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

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April 26, 2024

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

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April 19, 2024

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California Black Media

Yahushua’s Law: Senate Advances Bill to Protect Students from Extreme Weather

In a significant move towards student safety, the California Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 1248, also known as Yahushua’s Law, on April 3. The bill is named in memory of Yahushua Robinson, a 12-year-old student from Lake Elsinore, who tragically died due to a heat-related illness during a physical education class in 2023. It is a pioneering effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Yahushua Nyerere Robinson (Courtesy Photo)

By California Black Media

In a significant move towards student safety, the California Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 1248, also known as Yahushua’s Law, on April 3.

The bill is named in memory of Yahushua Robinson, a 12-year-old student from Lake Elsinore, who tragically died due to a heat-related illness during a physical education class in 2023. It is a pioneering effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) and co-authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-La Mesa), SB 1248 directs the California Department of Education to develop comprehensive guidelines for schools regarding student activity during all extreme weather conditions.

“No student should ever lose their life on campus to extreme weather when we can take steps to protect them by preparing statewide plans to minimize exposure to the most harmful elements of exposure,” Hurtado said after introducing SB 1248.

The bill stipulates that schools must implement safety measures which include monitoring weather forecasts, postponing or relocating outdoor activities during hazardous conditions, and ensuring students have proper hydration and access to shade. It also requires schools to establish clear communication plans to keep parents, teachers, and students informed about potential weather hazards.

Supporters of the bill include the Robinson family, advocate Christina Laster, Bold Enterprises LLC, California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Familias Empoderadas del Valle Central National Action Network, The Black Student Advocate, and the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Thanking Hurtado for introducing this crucial legislation, Weber said, “The story of Yahushua Robinson last year was heartbreaking. We have protections for farm workers and other industries in the case of extreme weather, now climate change is forcing us to also extend similar protections to students at school.”