The Peru Gazette

From the Office of Representative Bill Owens

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative Bill Owens announced the formation of a Women’s Advisory Committee. The committee comprises nearly 80 women from communities across New York’s 16,000 square-mile 21^st Congressional District. Members will advise Representative Owens on legislation before Congress and women’s issues in New York.

The committee launched earlier this month with an inaugural conference call to discuss Representative Carolyn Maloney’s (NY-12) proposal for an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution  and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Women’s Equality Act. The group discussed these initiatives in the context of job creation and the link between opportunities for women and broader economic growth. 

“Through this committee, I am able to gain valuable perspectives from women who are leaders in their communities,” Congressman Bill Owens said. “Clearly, supporting women is critical to economic growth in the 21^st Congressional District.  I look forward to regularly receiving local feedback on a broad range of issues and appreciate the committee members’ willingness to contribute their time and ideas to the discussion.”

After discussing Rep. Maloney’s Equal Rights Amendment over the phone, Representative Owens asked the advisory committee members to review the legislation and recommend whether or not he should endorse it as a cosponsor. A large majority of the group recommended Representative Owens co-sponsor the legislation. 

Representative Owens modeled the committee after the Agricultural Advisory Committee he formed in May as the House debated the Farm Bill. Both committees will continue adding members and regularly advise Owens on relevant policy issues.

An initial list of members of the Women’s Advisory Committee is below: