Council Rock Democratic school board director candidates Tracey Osecki and Kimberly Winnick received endorsement from Vote Mama PAC on Monday.
Both Winnick and Osecki are part of the Together For Council Rock slate running for director seats in the upcoming November election.
Through donations, mentorships and endorsements, Vote Mama, founded by Liuba Grechen Shirley, is committed to empowering moms in politics by upending the structures that disadvantage women.
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Shirley, who experienced the difficulties of juggling politics and parenthood first-hand in her run to represent New York’s 2nd Congressional District, was the first woman to petition and win FEC approval to allow the use of campaign funds for payment of child care in 2018. “Our babysitter is just as integral to our team as my campaign manager,” she told CNN.
Osecki said her family moved to the Council Rock area in Bucks County because of the schools and because she wants her children to have a first-class education. She noted it is hard to ignore neighboring districts that have been overtaken by far-right extremists.
“I am grateful to have the support of Vote Mama and thankful to the politically active mamas who have paved the way for me,” said Osecki in a Vote Mama PAC press release. “This election is about showing my children, and other Council Rock students, that when you are upset about the direction of your community – you can take action.”
Winnick also expressed her appreciation for the endorsement and resources.
“It’s so important for mothers to be represented in public office, especially on school boards whose policies intimately impact the lives and well-being of us and our children,” she said. “The Vote Mama endorsement for me in my school board race sends a message about the importance of voices like mine and provides a strong vote of confidence for mamas seeking public service.”
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The Vote Mama Foundation is the only organization that tracks how many mothers with minor children are serving in legislatures at the state and federal levels across the country and provides valuable statistics.
According to the group’s website, the country’s lack of policies geared toward addressing the concerns of younger women with children directly correlates to a Congress that is largely comprised of wealthy men above the age of 50.
