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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 9, 1996)
Campaign hopes to motivate Nebraska women voters Activists perceive 1996 as Year of the Woman* By Erin Gibson StaffReporter Women’s groups celebrated a resur gence of female political influence on die steps of the State Capitol Saturday morning. “If you thought 1992 was the ‘Year of the Woman,’ wait until you see 1996,” said Omaha City Council woman Brenda Council. Council spoke to representatives from more than 50 women’s groups who gathered to kick off the “Nebraska Women Vote ’96" campaign. The cam paign is intended to motivate women voters for the Nov. 5 elections. Speakers thanked those who fought for women’s suffrage and praised women’s progress in political arenas since gaining voting rights in 1920. But former Lincoln Mayor Helen Boosalis warned onlookers not to lose sight of long-term goals in the celebra tion. “We can’t be content to celebrate who we are, what we’ve accom plished,” Boosalis said. “We must do more.” Lt. Gov. Kim Robak said that al though more women were taking time to run for office and use their voices in politics, room for progress remains. “Certain issues wrongly get labeled ‘women’s issues,”’ Robak said. “All u Certain issues wrongly get labeled ‘women’s issues.’All issues are women’s issues.” Lt. Gov. Kim Robak issues are women’s issues.” Larry Bourn, who attended the rally with his wife and young daughter, agreed that issues affecting women lack understanding and publicity. “Women’s issues are family is sues,” Bourn said. Joni Gray, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women, said many issues women think are important may not be heard in the 90-percent-male Congress. Gray said Congress could overlook issues including equal wages for equal work and child care for working women. Speaker Cindy Proucha said many women’s issues were children’s issues, too. “Only 20 percent of child support is collected in Nebraska,” Proucha said. She said she worried that a lack of child support would add to women's hardships under new welfare reforms. “The working poor—women who earn too much for (government) aid but not enough to survive—will face in credible financial stress,” she said. She said women’s issues also were endangered by bills currently in the Legislature. “The proposed Equal Opportunity Act of 1995 will end 30 years of civil rights enforcement” and endanger the basis of sexual discrimination lawsuits against both sexes, Proucha said. In recognition of women’s concerns for family issues and their own lives, and the important influence of women voters, Gov. Ben Nelson proclaimed Sept. 7, 1996 to be “Nebraska Women’s Vote Day.” But Judith Kriss, director of the UNL Women’s Center, said the cel ebration of women’s voting rights did noLend on Saturday and will continue during a voter-regikration drive at the Nebraska Union Monday and Tuesday. Masni Spsck/DN LX GOV. KIM ROBAK, right, shakes hands Saturday with Joni Gray, spokesperson for the Nebraska Women Vote ’96 coalition. Antelope Valley Study iimi Fri, Sept. 20 - 6pm to 9pm & Sat, Sept. 21 -9am to 3pm Lincoln High School Study area neighborhoods include: •Antelope Park • Clinton • Downtown •East Campus^North Bottoms • Northwest Uncolh • University Place • Hartley • Malone • Near South • Woods Park Free Parking Located on dty bus routes: #8 Veterans Hospital #15 Eastridge Free child care provided by Family Service is (For registration through a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), please call 441-7864.) — S ■ r A _ Join the discussion and participate m building a better Lincoln! The City of Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District invite you to participate in this important Town Hall Meeting to discuss Lincoln’s core area - the location of our original historic neighborhoods, businesses, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Antelope Valley Study seeks to fold practical solutions for: • community revitalization, • stormwater, and • transportation. That’s where you come mto the picture! Your input is needed to develop a community-wide vision of a healthier core area. Participate and make a real and positive difference in people’s lives - improved safety, travel, housing, sense of harmony, job opportunities, health care, education, recreation, goods and services. Event Highlights... ♦ Presentation of study area’s strengths, needs, and opportunities ♦ Small group discussions to identify options and solutions ♦ Bus tour of study area Test Anxiety? ”''3wswbw?sii|* Do You Draw A Blank At The Test? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Join us and leam how to relax as you prepare for tests. Tuesdays, 3:30-5 pm Oct 1- Nov. 5,1996 Registration is required. For more information, Call CAPS (472-7450) Quality Women** Reproductive Health Care at Affordable Price*! ✓ Birth control options ✓ Free pregnancy testing Sr all options information ✓ Abortion services ✓ Diagnosis/treatment of sexually transmitted diseases ✓ Diagnosis/treatment of urinary tract infections ✓ HIV testing