By Nicole Moore
During filming for the recent Women's Legislative Network production Resolution: Women, Power and Change in America, Texas Senator Leticia Van de Putte shared a story that I think resonates as Mother's Day approaches.
Senator Van de Putte has six children, and they were all under 10 years old when she decided to run for office. When she told them about her plans, her toddler asked, "Why does Mommy want to be a state episentative?" she remembers. "She couldn't even say the word."
An older sister, who was 10 at the time, answered for her mother: "Because there's not enough mommies there," she said.
Women make up just 22 percent of America's state legislators, and it's rare to find a mother of young children serving, says Leah Oliver, program manager at the Women's Legislative Network of NCSL. It's easy to understand why. Being a state legislator can mean weeks or months away from home during session. Even for those who live close to the Capitol, they work very long hours. And for some lawmakers, being a state legislator is a career in addition to their "day jobs." Happy Mothers' Day to all who, despite these challenges, provide their valuable perspectives in America's state legislatures.
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