Senate Republicans Celebrate Women’s Day at State Capitol

Gathered at the Legislative Office Building March 11 for Women’s Day at the Capitol are, from left, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven), Carolyn Treiss, Executive Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton), and Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield)

HARTFORD – Embracing a message of empowerment, equality and a mission of furthering the progress that has been made on behalf of women in Connecticut, Senate Republicans joined with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women Wednesday in celebration of Women’s Day at the Capitol.

Each year, the PCSW brings together legislators, public policy experts and members of the community to examine key issues facing women in Connecticut.

Senate Minority Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said, “The PCSW does incredible work here in Connecticut bringing attention to important and serious issues. Today is a day to honor their efforts and recognize that we can all work together to eliminate gender discrimination, improve health and safety, and create a society where women have access to opportunities for great success. I am proud to stand with my fellow legislators in support of all women.”

Carolyn Treiss, Executive Director of the PCSW, said, “We are very grateful for the support shown today by Senators Fasano, Boucher, Hwang and all their colleagues – of both parties – who participated in Women’s Day at the Capitol – an annual day of civic engagement at its best. Too often, lawmakers across the country cast women’s issues as partisan ones. But here in Connecticut, the enormous turn-out today of legislators from both sides of the aisle proves that reasonable people see family-friendly workplace policies, pay equity, human trafficking and the other issues PCSW works on as being worthy of respectful debate and deep inquiry.”

“As the only woman in the Senate Republican Caucus I am keenly aware of the progress women have made and the need to keep moving ahead,” said Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton). “There are wonderful young women all around our state who are making a name for themselves by embracing the message of empowerment and equality. I’m proud to be a role model for them and I am proud to be part of a caucus which values the role women play in our society. I look forward to a day when gender is not an issue and that a person’s capability is foremost. I also commend the men in my caucus and in the general assembly that stand with women and support us.”

Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) said, “As someone with such a profound and unquestionable respect for women, thanks in large part to my mother, wife and daughter, I am proud to stand in support of the PCSW and their mission. Equality must never be a partisan issue, and I am confident the Connecticut legislature will demonstrate that this year.”

Established by the State Legislature in 1973, PCSW is comprised of 21 appointed volunteer commissioners who join staff and volunteers to work to eliminate sex discrimination in Connecticut. They inform leaders about the nature and scope of discrimination, serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with services for women, promote considerations of women for governmental positions, and work with state agencies to access programs and practices as they affect women.