Sacramento - Academy Award-Winning Actor and Chair of California's Commission on the Status of Women Geena Davis joined Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and commissioners Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) announcing plans to re-establish funding and restructure the California Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW). More than a dozen members of the legislative women's caucus, along with CCSW commissioners joined the group in support of the announcement.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of this game-changing announcement that will re-establish funding for the Commission," said CCSW Chair Geena Davis. "There is still much to be done to sustain a public dialogue and create real change for women and for our society as a whole, and the Commission will get back to work doing just that."

"It's clear there's still a great need for the Commission as a voice and resource for issues impacting women and families," said Speaker John A. Pérez. There are still significant gender inequities we cannot ignore, and the Assembly's transfer of our savings will ensure that the Commission continues to be an effective advocate for policy proposals that will address these critical issues.

"This is our chance to regroup, refocus and recommit ourselves to the important work of the CSSW," said Assemblymember Lowenthal, vice-chair of the legislative women's caucus and CSSW commissioner. "We have a new vision and now have the resources to implement it."

"We've all rallied around the Commission, because we know how important it is as a voice for women of all ages and from all backgrounds," said Senator Evans. "Today's announcement gives us a chance to continue working on vital issues impacting all of us."

The Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan state agency which continues to be an effective statewide public policy body for proposals to address women's issues in the public domain and with the Governor, the Legislature and other policymakers.

Today Davis announced that the commission would focus on the following key areas:

• Gender Inequality in the media
• Women and Families in the military
• Business
• Health & Safety
• And Education

Sarah Shealy, Assistant Professor and one of the report authors at Mt. Saint Mary's College, recently released a report that showed women in California made only 84 cents on the dollar to men, with even greater disparities for Latinas and African American women. To read more of her report, click here.

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408

Below are links to audio of Speaker Pérez and Geena Davis:

Opening remarks from Speaker Pérez at today’s news conference. (3:15)

Speaker Pérez says, in light of the deep budget cuts that have seriously impacted women, its wrong to eliminate the Commission. (:28)

Speaker Pérez says, under his watch, the Assembly has cut its budget multiple times and used the savings to fund key programs. (:44)

Commission Chair Geena Davis says there is an urgent need for the Commission to continue its work. (:15)

Commission Chair Geena Davis thanks the Speaker, Assembly for providing the needed funding for the Commission. (:19)