Members of the Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) announced their leadership team for the 101st Legislature, filling positions for the 2021-2022 term. State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) was selected to serve as Chair of the Executive Committee, along with state Reps. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) as Vice Chair, Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.) as Treasurer and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp. & Detroit) as Secretary.
“I’m honored to be named Chair of the Progressive Women’s Caucus,” said Pohutsky. “COVID-19 has forced us to look at age-old issues such as pay equity, childcare and reproductive health in new and more challenging ways, and I’m proud to be a leading voice on those issues during this historic time. I have the privilege of calling some of the most dynamic and driven women in Michigan my colleagues, and I’m eager to get to work with them.”
The MI Progressive Women’s Caucus proudly represents and serves the women and families who call Michigan home, while encouraging greater participation of women in shaping public policy through education and advocacy.
“Women and families in Michigan continue to face unique challenges navigating the landscape created by this global pandemic,” said House Democratic Leader and PWC member, Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). “I want to congratulate Rep. Laurie Pohutsky and the entire incoming leadership team of the Progressive Women’s Caucus. The PWC will be well-served by Rep. Pohutsky’s leadership as Chair and I look forward to working with this group to accomplish great things together in the 101st Legislature.”
In recent years, members of the MI PWC have spearheaded a wide range of legislative package introductions, including protections for vital health through the Reproductive Health Act, support and resources for survivors of gender violence through the advent of an Address Confidentiality Program, and steps to eliminate the gender pay gap. Another point of pride for the organization was the comprehensive, statewide listening tour commemorating the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
In the 2021-2022 legislative term, Pohutsky is looking to build upon the past work of the PWC while addressing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the challenges women, children and families in Michigan are facing as a result.