In March, to commemorate Women’s History Month, Senator Tobin joined Senator Cathy Giessel and Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson in highlighting notable Alaskan women with speeches on the floor of the Alaska State Senate. This episode of The Empty Office Podcast features the speeches delivered by Senator Tobin during Women’s History Month. On March 6, Senator Tobin stood up to highlight the life of Etheldra Davis.
On March 10, Senator Tobin eagerly took to the floor of the State Senate to talk about one of her heroes, Fran Ulmer.
The next woman of distinction highlighted by Senator Tobin was Eleanor Andrews. This speech was delivered on March 17.
On March 24, the subject of Senator Tobin’s speech to highlight Women’s History Month was notable Alaskan educator Bernice Joseph, who died in 2014 at the age of 49.
The final woman of distinction highlighted by Senator Tobin during Women’s History Month was one of the most famous women in Alaskan history, 4-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher. Senator Tobin’s speech was made on the floor of the Alaska State Senate on March 31.
Senator Tobin’s speeches highlighting Alaskan women of distinction came as the Alaska State Legislature was considering Senate Bill 43 to establish the month of March as Women’s History Month in Alaska. SB 43 unanimously passed the Alaska State Senate on March 3. The bill passed the Alaska House of Representatives on March 28 by a vote of 33-2. Governor Dunleavy signed the bill into law on April 4. From now on, March will be celebrated as Women’s History Month across Alaska.
The music for this episode is a folk song from El Salvador called “The Ballad of the Fallen” performed by Charlie Haden and Carla Bley.
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