November 26, 2007 - 7:58pm

This week in Iowa Chris Dodd is rolling out his plan for Women and Families—a solid, comprehensive plan that will get results for women across the country. It tackles a range of issues including paid leave, equal pay, women’s health, and violence against women.

From women’s health issues, to child care support; pay equity, to a woman’s right to chose; Chris Dodd has been a strong advocate for women and their families, and his plan only reinforces his past leadership on this issue.

Below are some highlights from Dodd’s plan for women and families.

Chris Dodd on Family and Medical Leave:

His Record: Chris Dodd authored the Family and Medical Leave Act and fought for seven years, overcoming two presidential vetoes, until it became law. Since passage, an estimated 50 million workers have been allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child or a sick family member.

His Plan: As President, Chris Dodd will provide 8 weeks of paid leave to care for a sick family member or to welcome a child into the world.

Chris Dodd on Women’s Health:

His Record: Chris Dodd was an early supporter of the Women’s Health Equity Act, which sought to expand research on women’s health issues and establish the Office of Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services.

His Plan: As President, Chris Dodd will invest additional research dollars into diseases that disproportionately affect women and fund added research into how diseases and medicines affect women differently than men.

Chris Dodd on Pay Equity:

His Record: Chris Dodd has cosponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would strengthen the landmark Equal Pay Act that mandates equal pay for women and men who do equal work.

His Plan: As President, Chris Dodd will require the Department of Labor to work with employers to eliminate pay disparities. He will also stiffen penalties for employers in violation of the Equal Pay Act.

Chris Dodd on a Woman’s Right to Choose:

His Record: Chris Dodd was an early supporter of the Women's Choice and Reproductive Health Protection Act, which would have codified the Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to choose into federal law. He has also co-sponsored the Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Act, which provided increased access to contraceptive services for women.

His Plan: A strong supporter of a woman’s right to choose, Chris Dodd will ensure access to women’s contraceptive services and equity in prescription drug coverage.

Chris Dodd on High-Quality, Affordable Child Care:

His Record: Chris Dodd authored the Child Care and Development Block Grant program which has provided billions of dollars in federal aid to improve the quality of child care and help low-income families cope with its high cost.

His Plan: As President, Chris Dodd will significantly increase funding for CCDBG and provide incentives for businesses to provide child care for their employees. He will also promote public-private partnerships to strengthen investment in early childhood development.