On Women's Equality Day, We Honor a Proud Legacy

August 26, 2013

On this date in 1920, the 19th amendment to the US Constitution removing all barriers to women's suffrage was declared in full force and effect by the federal government. It had been just eight days since the amendment was ratified by the Tennessee state legislature - and 41 years since it was first drafted by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

From Syracuse to Seneca Falls to Rochester, this long struggle is an indelible part of our local and regional history. Today, on the 42nd national observance of Women's Equality Day, we take special pride in the extraordinary individuals who lived here and who made such a profound, lasting contribution to our democracy.

This is also a moment to reflect upon all that remains to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunity in every sector of our society. The work begun here in Upstate continues to this very moment across the nation, and as a member of the Assembly I am proud to help carry on this legacy.

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