National Association of Women Business Owners, Los Angeles Chapter (NAWBO-LA) Meets with Assemblymember Laura Friedman In Support of Changing the Capitol Culture and Stopping Sexual Harassment and Abuse

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2017 -- Today Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) Chair of the Assembly Rules Subcommittee on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention and Response held the first of the subcommittee’s hearings. On November 21, 2017, the National Association of Women Business Owners, Los Angeles Chapter (NAWBO-LA) leaders met with Assemblymember Friedman to deliver a supporting letter to her and all members of the Assembly Rules Subcommittee. This letter stated that sexual harassment in any workplace, including the California State Capitol, is unacceptable.

National Association of Women Business Owners, Los Angeles Chapter (NAWBO-LA) Meets with Assemblymember Laura Friedman

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85c79992-e2f3-457f-b49d-f58efe9c7a85

Assemblymember Friedman, one of the women who signed the October 17, 2017 letter that ignited the discussion around sexual harassment and abuse, also stated that among the issues the subcommittee will consider are what best practices are in place elsewhere, in both the public and private sectors, a complete overhaul of training programs to reflect the unique nature of legislative work for members, staff, and lobbyists, and how can we increase protections for those who come forward— including adding sexual harassment to the Legislative Employee Whistleblower Protection Act passed by the Assembly, according to a press release dated November 3, 2017.

NAWBO-LA represents more than 544,000 women-owned businesses in the greater Los Angeles area and supports business owners who are striving to create safe workplace environments for all employees, regardless of gender. NAWBO-LA extended the opportunity to Assemblymember Friedman to partner on polices that empower women in the workplace.

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, from the halls of the State Capitol to corporate boardrooms,” said Schenae Rourk, president of NAWBO-LA. “We thank Assemblymember Friedman for leading today’s hearing on harassment prevention and look forward to working with the entire Legislature as a partner on this important issue.”

The letter recommended that the Legislature implement policies for its own workplace that protect employees from abuse and enables employees to report abuse when it does occur without fear of repercussions, noting that Sacramento should set a positive workplace example for the rest of California.

In the letter, NAWBO-LA encouraged improving women’s access to education and capital as critical to women to pursuing entrepreneurship and building successful careers. The letter also stated that increasing the number of women on corporate boards will bring diverse perspectives to corporate decision-making and help to ensure that the needs of women employees are considered.

About National Association of Women Business Owners- Los Angeles (NAWBO-LA):

The National Association of Women Business Owners – Los Angeles (NAWBO-LA) is one of the organization's leading and innovative chapters since its beginnings in 1979. The mission of NAWBO-LA is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power by: strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community; creating innovative and effective changes in the business culture; building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers. 

About Laura Friedman:
Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.

Media Contact:
Lindsey Carnett
NAWBO-LA VP of Marketing
[email protected]
(310) 994-7380