News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, October 18, 2013
Contact: Doug Finch, (315) 781-2030
Recognizing The Contributions Of Finger Lakes Women
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

In 1848, Seneca Falls resident Elizabeth Cady Stanton joined 300 women and men to hold the first Women's Rights convention in Seneca Falls. It took 72 years of unwavering commitment by the women of the suffrage movement before the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified in 1920, giving women the right to vote on the Federal level.

The National Women's Hall of Fame was dedicated in Seneca Falls more than 40 years ago as a permanent place to honor the contributions of American women. The Hall of Fame's exhibits eloquently illustrate the inspiring stories of American women who continue to influence and shape our society. The recent induction of nine women in the Hall of Fame is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate local heroines who advocate for positive change in their communities right here in the Finger Lakes. To view the biographies of the nine women inducted this year visit http://www.greatwomen.org/news-and-events/induction-weekend.

CONVERSATIONS TO CONTINUE PROGRESS FOR WOMEN

We're fortunate to live in a region where America's women's rights movement was born. I appreciate the amazing contributions that women from our area have made to our community and I am eager to hear their ideas on how we can work together to create a brighter future for our region and culture across the Finger Lakes.

To ensure that women's voices are heard, and to exchange thoughts and ideas on their priority issues, I am hosting a series of Women's Forums in my district. These conversations will bring together local women who represent businesses, education, social services, healthcare, the arts, agriculture and a variety of other sectors. The discussion will focus on issues that face our community and New York State, as well as what's going on in Albany and how individuals can influence the legislative process. The meetings will occur on October 29 in Canandaigua, October 30 in Victor and November 7 in Geneva.

Women have always been an integral part of success and innovation in the Finger Lakes region, unafraid to speak their minds about issues that affect their lives and communities. I look forward to a robust and informative discussion, and to hear the priorities and ideas of Finger Lakes women from across our community.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.