August 25 - PORTLAND – During a stop of her summer tour Wednesday in Portland, singer Melissa Etheridge took time to meet with Kerry/Edwards supporters at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to talk about issues important to Oregonians. And, on the eve of Women's Equality Day, Etheridge offered her support for the positive vision for America put forth by the Kerry/Edwards ticket.

When it comes to women in America under the Bush/Cheney administration, the facts are clear. Under the Bush administration, the unemployment rate for women is 37 percent higher than it was under President Clinton – over one million more women are unemployed. The number of women without health insurance has increased dramatically during the Bush administration – two million more women have no health insurance. Additionally, the Bush/Cheney administration has dismantled efforts to ensure equal pay for equal work by eliminating the Equal Pay Initiative, a program designed to expand federal enforcement against discriminatory practices that threaten equal pay for women and minorities.

"Women will make the difference in this year's election. Having traveled the country and spoken to so many women about the trials of daily life under the current administration, I know that you don't have to look very far to find women who will tell you that America needs a change in leadership to get the country back on track and moving forward again," said Etheridge.

Continued Etheridge, "As a working mother, I can sympathize with women who are trying to do the best for their families while working hard. We don't need a president who continues to put up barriers to affordable health care, equal pay, and quality education for Oregon's families. We need a president with a proven record of standing up for working women, we need John Kerry's positive vision for America."

John Kerry and John Edwards have a plan to ensure that women have access to equal opportunity and the tools to realize their full potential. A Kerry/Edwards administration will support women and women-owned businesses. Through his work on the Senate Small Business Committee and in talking with women business owners across the country, John Kerry has seen the challenges women in business are facing and the important role they will play in putting our economy back on its feet.

A Kerry/Edwards administration will offer support for Oregon's families and continued efforts towards equality for all women.

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