EMILYs List Responds to President Obama’s Farewell Address

January 10, 2017

EMILYs List Responds to President Obama’s Farewell Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, after eight years in office, President Barack Obama gave his final presidential address to the nation. In response, EMILYs List President Stephanie Schriock released the following statement:

“President Obama spent his historic presidency fighting for progressive policies that improved the lives of the American people.”

“Thanks to President Obama and the Affordable Care Act, women can’t be charged more than men for health insurance, be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or lose their coverage when they get sick. Plus, millions of women now have access to birth control at no out-of-pocket cost to them. In fighting for LGBTQ rights and marriage equality, President Obama worked to ensure that all Americans were equal in the eyes of the law – no matter who they loved. President Obama led the way on equal pay and paid sick days, and led a national push aimed at raising the minimum wage. His administration has worked to combat campus sexual assault and violence against women both here and abroad. His record is unmatched on the issues that affect women and families’ lives.”

“Tonight, we celebrate President Obama’s legacy and leadership in the Oval Office. At the same time, pro-choice Democratic women across the country stand ready to build on this legacy by running for office in the months and years to come. Along with President Obama, we'll never stop fighting to defend our rights or to ensure economic security for all our families.” 

EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have trained over 9,000 women to run and helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color – including every single Latina, African American, and Asian American Democratic congresswoman currently serving.