The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Ricci v. DeStefano is deeply disappointing and again demonstrates the Court’s disregard for the realities of the workplace. Yet again, five Justices have issued an opinion that sets back the cause of equal employment opportunity, making it more difficult for women and minorities to compete fairly to secure jobs.

As we approach a crossroads in the fight for progressive health care reform, the barriers that women face accessing quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care must be addressed.

President Obama has made a historic appointment – nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace Justice David H. Souter on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor brings an extraordinary background to the position to which she has been nominated, including sterling academic credentials, extensive experience as a practicing lawyer in both criminal and civil matters, and service both as a federal trial court and appellate court judge.

Women and their families are facing an economic crisis and scrambling to make ends meet. A strong collective voice in support of the President’s budget is key to ensure that Congress is able to make major investments in health care reform, education (including early childhood), and relief for low-and moderate-income families.

President Obama with Lilly Ledbetter

The Paycheck Fairness Act, passed in the House of Representatives in January and now pending in the Senate, aims to strengthen current laws against wage discrimination and provides tools to enable the federal government to be more proactive in the fight.

The Obama administration is taking action to rescind a harmful Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule that was passed hurriedly in the final days of the Bush Administration.

Now is the time to look to the future and work together to tackle the issues that are so critical to women and their families.