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Legislator leads effort to launch new web site targeting progressive women

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 30, 2011 - A new politically progressive web site -- www.ProgressWomen.com -- is launched today, with the aim of highlighting progressive stands on women's issues, countering perceived conservative attacks.

State Rep. Stacey Newman, D-Richmond Heights, is among the founders, and wrote one of the newest articles, which deals with efforts in Missouri to curb rights to abortion. But Newman emphasizes that most of the site's focus is on other issues as well, such whether Missouri is truly family friendly when it comes to health care, family leave and related issues.

"We definitely feel that it's needed because there's no central place for women to go to be informed,'' said Newman, who also chairs the state House's Progressive Caucus.

The progressive writers include students in the Columbia, Mo., as well as progressive women in the St. Louis area. Newman said in an interview that she believes such a web site has been needed for some time.

The site appears to signal an effort by progressives to counter the strong Internet presence that Missouri conservative groups have created in recent years. The St. Louis Tea Party, among others, has an active web site and email distribution list.

Said Newman in her announcement: "In a campaign season (which seems to never end) with women's issues being talked about on the national, state and local stage, ProgressWomen offers a distinct progressive viewpoint. Women care about more than just "abortion"!

"The women's vote will continue to be vital -- and women voters (and men too) need the progressive perspective to be fully informed and engaged as they prepare to cast their votes in 2012."