The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona hosted a virtual event Wednesday, February 23 to provide updates on their proposed legislation as Arizona progresses through its legislative session. 

WFSA has [worked with legislators to introduce] two bills and is following the progress of many others that impact women and girls in Arizona. 
 
This event was part of WFSA’s statewide listening tour, so attendees were invited to share their opinions and experience throughout the hour. 

Livestream Recording>>

With a mission focused on gender equity, WFSA aims to enact policy change that improves the economic and social supports for Arizona women.  
 
In Arizona, nearly 1,000,000 people live in poverty, and more than half of them are women. These numbers are only getting worse for women as they are affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has undone decades of economic progress. 
 

WFSA’s current legislation and priorities: 

• WFSA worked with Representative Walt Blackman to introduce HB 2111, which would help ensure single moms have support from the beginning of their pregnancy through the child’s early years by expanding the Healthy Families Arizona program. 
   
• WFSA worked with Representative Daniel Hernandez to introduce HB 2534, which would end gender-based taxes on feminine hygiene products, diapers, and formula. 
   
• WFSA is enthusiastically supporting bills which expand postpartum health access for women and their children, specifically KidsCare and 12-month Medicaid coverage for postpartum women (SB 1272).  
   

WFSA’s history of advocacy work began in 2014 and has benefitted women and families throughout the state. In 2021, WFSA celebrated a legislative win when HB 2016 was signed into law, which allows for up to 400,000 Arizona families receiving public childcare assistance to maintain their benefits while enrolling in full time education. 

 This is a momentous time for gender equity in our state and things have been moving quickly at the legislature. We want to be sure Arizonans are informed and have the tools they need to advocate for women and girls,” said Dr. Amalia Luxardo, WFSA CEO. 

For the first time in its history, WFSA is expanding its advocacy network to include representation from the entire State of Arizona.