CHARLOTTE PRITT ON HUMAN RIGHTS
West Virginians are a proud and independent people who want to be
judged by individual character, talents and skills. As Governor,
Charlotte Pritt will provide the leadership to put Human Rights at the
top of the Mountaineer agenda. Charlotte Pritt's record shows that
she is willing to do more than talk about Human Rights....she will act.
OUR HISTORY...West Virginia has a proud history in the protection of
human rights. Even before the Civil War, John Brown led a revolt against
slavery in 1859 at Harpers Ferry. The state was formed in 1863 because we
did not want to be part of a nation based on slavery. This history has continued
into the present. From the earliest days of the union organizing drives and the
fight to win the right of women to vote, Mountaineers have fought for human
rights. Today, those rights include protection from discrimination based on
race, ethnicity, religion, age or physical disability. Yet, we continue to have in
our midst acts of racial violence, an alarming rate of domestic violence against
women and children, attacks on minority religious groups, and discrimination
against individuals because of their age, gender or disa-bility.
EQUALITY IN EDUCATION...Equal opportunities in education are the
key to equality in other areas of life. As a teacher, Charlotte Pritt is well
aware of the many problems that children and young adults who are minorities
or disabled still face in our school ystem. Our children need to see successful
role models. Every child needs to understand and respect their own ethnic or
religious heritage. As a West Virginian, Charlotte Pritt knows that multicultural
education includes teaching our Appalachian heritage - our arts, literature, and
history. Teachers and admini-strators need the training to understand and
teach such diversity. Our schools should be places where respect for diversity
underlies our common pride.
DESIGNATED HOLIDAY...While in the House of Delegates, Charlotte
Pritt sponsored a resolution "Requesting the Legislature to designate the
birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a school holiday." (H.C.R. 5-1988)
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS...As Governor, Charlotte Pritt will fight to
adequately fund the State Human Rights Commission.
A Citizen's Advisory Committee for Human Rights will be formed to
represent different geographical regions and groups. Civil Rights leaders will
have a direct voice in state government. Volunteers at local community levels
will be enlisted to participate.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ALL...During Charlotte Pritt's term in
the House of Delegates, she sponsored a bill that would prohibit
discrim-ination by insurance companies on the basis of sex, race, religion,
marital status or national origin. (HB 1343)
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY...As one of the largest
employers, state government should set the example of equal employment
opportunity. Charlotte Pritt is committed to an administration in which the
diversity of our people will be reflected at the highest levels of state
government.
CHARLOTTE PRITT ON VETERANS
Charlotte Pritt knows that West Virginia Veterans are some of the finest
Veterans because West Virginians have a history of being the finest soldiers
in the armed services. From the earliest wars to WWI and WWII, and more
recently, the Gulf War and Haiti, West Virginians have been proud to serve.
Pritt knows and understands the sacrifices and services of West Virginia
Veterans. She learned that from her family; Uncles James, Lester and
Raymond Pritt who served in WWII, and more recently Captain Bill Pritt who
served in Haiti and many other family members who have been honored to
serve.
In the 1960's, when many college students were protesting, Charlotte
Pritt became the first female in the Marine ROTC and participated in weekly drills. She
experienced military life first hand as a Marine Corps wife during the Vietnam
War, giving her a personal appreciation of the sacrifices made by service men,
women and their families.
During her terms in the legislature from 1985 to 1992, Charlotte Pritt
sponsored or supported legislation for veterans, such as:
Sponsored legislation to allow for tuition waivers at state
colleges for National Guard members (SB 325, 1/31/91).
Supported legislation providing for military leave of absence
from educational institutions (SB 6, passed 2/26/92, 34-0-0).
Sponsored legislation that would require employers to provide
benefits for military personnel assigned to Desert Storm (SB
169, 1/23/91).
Supported legislation establishing voluntary Vietnam Veterans
Memorial check-off program for income tax return refunds (SB
236, passed 3/12/88, 96-0-4).
Supported legislation allowing former National Guard members
to have American flag burials (HB 2655, passed 3/9/90, 33-0-1).
Voted to commemorate the death of Ruben G. Kirk III, first
West Virginian to die in Operation Desert Shield (SR 13, passed
2/6/91).
Charlotte Pritt believes that West Virginia Veterans deserve to be heard
on issues of importance to them .... issues like health care, housing, fair
taxation, and a better future for all West Virginians. When she is Governor,
Charlotte Pritt will encourage legislation that will provide support for veterans,
such as:
Re-establish the Department of Veterans' Affairs to upgrade the
present "Division" title and status.
Establish within the Governor's Office a Veterans' Liaison
Officer.
Provide continued funding for the Barboursville Veterans'
Home and the Grafton National Cemetery.
Eliminate personal income tax for retired military pensions.
Charlotte Pritt says, "It's time that both the state and federal
governments give attention and support to the more than 200,000 West
Virginia Veterans who have already given so much to this country and this
state."
