Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte honors the contributions of women in public service and government for Women's History Month. "As we look forward to extending more liberties to women across New York, especially during this celebratory month, it's imperative to reflect on our past achievements in the Women's Suffrage Movement," said Assemblymember Bichotte. "Every time I sit in the Assembly Chamber, I think back to those who broke the barriers that helped make women in government possible. Today women make up 25% of the total legislators in New York's legislative branch, this is a historic achievement."

Extending voting rights for women, including the ability to register to vote, was the first step required to put women into government. The passage of the infamous 19th Amendment reflected a change in the tides that women were no longer going to allow themselves to be represented by a government which did not include women. "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex," the Amendment reads. "Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." As we celebrate our right to vote, we must never forget why we need "appropriate legislation" to enforce that right.

As an active District Leader and legislator, Assemblymember Bichotte has been vocal and active in voter registration drives. She has signed up poll workers and continues to participate in demonstrations on issues related to the Board of Elections in the City of New York. She continues to fight for enforcement legislation to bring about a more fair voting process. "As a new legislator, I was honored and privileged to co-sponsor Assemblymember Deborah Glick's Bill A06221, the Women's Reproductive Health Act," said the Assemblymember. "Whether it's fighting for paid family leave, funding for Planned Parenthood, government procurement participation of women-owned businesses, or pay equity, I am out there fighting for women's equality. What is at stake is too important."

Assemblymember Bichotte reflects on the contributions of many women in public service and government including, but not limited to, First Lady Michelle Obama, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Secretary of State, and Presidential Candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Untied States Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, New York Court of Appeals Chief Judge Judith Kaye, Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and more.

"When women move forward, New York moves forward," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. "I wish all my colleagues, constituents, and friends a happy Women's History Month. After all, here in New York, equality for women is a value."