March 18, 2015

Torres Honored Among Female State Senators, Past and Present

TORRES HONORED AMONG FEMALE STATE SENATORS, PAST AND PRESENT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement on the rededication of the California Senate's Rose Ann Vuich Hearing Room, featuring the photographs of the 42 women who have served in the Senate:

I am honored to stand alongside this group of dedicated, talented women. Whether Republican or Democrat, Southern Californians or Northern Californians, from urban or rural districts, we were all united by the desire to serve the people of this great state, even when the establishment thought otherwise.

It is incredible to think that less than 40 years ago, not a single woman had served in the California Senate. Rose Ann Vuich broke that barrier and paved the way for the rest of us. She was an independent spirit who was never afraid to break with her own party when it came to the needs of those back home, and she continues to serve as a role model for those of us who followed in her footsteps.

Over the last 40 years, women in California, and across this country, have broken through countless glass ceilings, but the work continues. Women still only account for a quarter of the California legislature, and a woman has yet to serve as Governor of our state. We must continue to push forward until the day when every little girl can imagine her future and sees no goal as insurmountable, and every woman is afforded the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Torres was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2008 and went on to serve in the State Senate from May 2013 through November 2014 when she was elected to Congress. Since her departure, there is currently no Latina serving in the California Senate.