Representative Rosa DeLauro, at the invitation of Attorney Barbara Dunham on behalf of the AAUW Shoreline branch, spoke to the public and members of AAUW

With a special interest in healthcare and the current economic situation and its effect on her clients, Attorney Dunham, a long-standing board member of the AAUW Shoreline Branch, invited Representative DeLauro, the second highest-ranking Democratic woman in Congress, to speak to the public and AAUW members about these issues and others affecting women and families. Through the efforts of Attorney Dunham, this well-attended, informative meeting enabled individuals to learn of Representative DeLauro's position on current legislation and issues affecting women, families and all Americans. The following are highlights of Representative DeLauro's discussion.

Representative DeLauro spoke about healthcare and gender equity. She praised AAUW for its leadership in addressing critical issues affecting women and children. Addressing the current economic situation, she said that "this is a pivotal moment of great peril - and great opportunity to expand women's economic and social status". Representative DeLauro also spoke about the economic downturn and her present support of the Advancing Career Training Act (PACT), which will train women to secure well-paid, highly-skilled jobs. She recognized healthcare reform as one of the most critical issues facing our nation and made it clear this issue requires everyone to make an effort to resolve their differences.