Thirsting for Change: Obama’s First 100 Days

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Domestic Policy

Green / environment

human dignity / human rights

8

7

The administration has made a commitment to millions of “green jobs” and has consulted with a variety of

The administration has taken action to fund family planning here and abroad, the availability of which is a

women’s organizations to identify ways of mak-

major factor contributing to women’s dignity

ing sure that women are fairly included. Com-

and human rights. The choice of Secretary of

munity and outreach efforts in low-income

State Hillary Clinton was an important indica-

communities will be a key element.

tion of the president’s commitment to this issue.

economic equity

cost / regulation

8

6

The first piece of legislation President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. He has

There has been enormous focus on the recovery plan, as there should be, but the administration must quickly

indicated that he will champion and sign ad-

halt all funding for misleading and ineffective

ditional legislation necessary to ensure equal

abstinence-only education, as well as so-called

pay for women. Welfare reform is up next, and

Faith-Based Initiatives that lack meaningful

much more. We have a long way to go, but the

restrictions against discrimination and prosely-

president is off to a great start.

tizing.

democracy / transparency

8

So far, decisions have been publicly available, and many advocates are included in regular meetings and con-

ference calls. But the process for actually reaching those decisions, and who is included in the decision-making, has been less transparent.

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