Today, Indiana Democratic Party Vice Chair Cordelia Lewis-Burks joined with local candidates on another stop of the “We Can Do Better” tour. Accompanying her at Sweeney Hayes, LLC, a woman-owned law firm in downtown Indianapolis, was J.D. Ford, Candidate for State Senate District 29, and Debra Jenkins, candidate for State House District 89.

Lewis-Burks called out Governor Mike Pence and the Republican-controlled legislature for failure to work in a bipartisan manner to make Indiana a safer and more equal place for women. In addition, the candidates presented a number of ideas to improve the quality of life for Hoosier women.

“There is mounting evidence that Indiana is not a state that works for girls and women. As someone who has spent a lifetime working on equality issues, that fact is unacceptable,” said Lewis-Burks. “Women make 73 cents for every dollar a man makes; one in six girls will be raped or sexually assaulted; and 22 percent of girls ages 6 to 17 live below the poverty level. It is vital for our state’s future – not just the future of women – that we put an end to the GOP-controlled Statehouse’s apathy of women’s issues.”

“The fact women earn less than men in our state for the same work is an embarrassment. Ensuring women earn equal pay for equal work is a simple step toward putting more money in the pockets of working families,” said Ford. “I will work across the aisle to get it done.”

“Standing up for Hoosier women should not just be a political talking point. It’s time our state take serious steps to address the issues facing women every day,” said Jenkins. “On day one, I will partner with legislators of any party to address the epidemic of sexual assault and rape, women’s earning power and leveling the playing field for all Hoosiers – regardless of their gender.”

Sweeney Hayes, LLC is nationally-recognized law firm located in downtown Indianapolis, specializing in criminal, business, and civil rights law. Considered one of the top trial attorney firms in the country, Sweeney Hayes most recently of note participated in the case overturning Indiana’s same-sex marriage ban.

The next stop on the “We Can Do Better Tour” will be announced soon.