Women in the Labor Force: A Databook, 2009 ed.
"The past several decades have been marked by notable changes in women’s labor force activities. Women’s labor force participation is significantly higher today than it was in the 1970s, particularly among women with children, and a larger share of women work full time and year round than in past decades. In addition, women have increasingly attained higher levels of education: among women aged 25 to 64 who are in the labor force, the proportion with a college degree roughly tripled from 1970 to 2008. Women’s earnings as a proportion of men’s earnings also have grown over time. In 1979, women working full time earned 62 percent of what men did; in 2008, women’s earnings were 80 percent of men’s.

This report presents historical and current labor force and earnings data for women and men from the Current Population Survey (CPS). The CPS is a national monthly survey of approximately 60,000 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Unless otherwise noted, data are annual averages from the CPS. Users should note that the comparisons of earnings in this report are on a broad level and do not control for many factors that can be significant in explaining earnings differences. For a detailed description of the source of the data and an explanation of concepts and definitions used, see the Technical Note
at the end of this report..."

Sebelius Visits Maine, Releases New Report on Importance of Health Insurance Reform for Older Women and Senior Women
"U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will travel to Maine today and formally release a new report on the importance of health insurance reform for older women (ages 55-64) and senior women (ages 65 and older). In Maine, Sebelius will participate in a roundtable discussion in South Portland sponsored by AARP and the Maine Women’s Lobby. Later, she will hear from Mainers who are struggling under the status quo at the University of Maine, Orono at a discussion sponsored by Maine Change that Works. The report Sebelius will formally release today, Strengthening the Health Insurance System: How Health Insurance Reform Will Help America’s Older and Senior Women
is available at www.HealthReform.gov.

“Our mothers and grandmothers have unique health needs and under the status quo, they aren’t getting the quality, affordable care they deserve,” said Sebelius. “Health insurance reform will strengthen health care for older women and senior women in Maine and across the country.”

The report released today identifies problems with the status quo for older women and senior women and proposed solutions in health insurance reform including:

Senior women spent on average 17 percent of their income on health care in 2005. The growth in Medicare Part B premiums from 2000 to 2018 is predicted to cost seniors an additional $1,577 per year out-of-pocket. Health insurance reform will reduce overpayments to private plans and clamp down on fraud and abuse to lower premiums for all seniors and extend the life of the Medicare trust fund by 5 years.
One in five women aged 50 and above has not received a mammogram in the past two years. By ensuring that health plans cover preventive services for everyone, investing in prevention and wellness, and promoting primary care, health insurance reform will work to create a system that prevents illness and disease instead of just treating it when it’s too late and costs more."

Women's Health Calendar, 2009
"Our 2009 Women's Health Calendar offers information about common health problems and important symptoms to watch out for. You'll also find charts that describe the screenings and immunizations you need, tips on how to get a second opinion and how to read a drug label, and more – all in a handy, portable calendar you can keep with you year round!"