WASHINGTON – ICYMI, DLGA Chair and Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Kentucky Lt. Gov Jacqueline Coleman were named USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees.
In each of their times in office, Lt. Gov. Flanagan and Lt. Gov. Coleman have been driving forces on issues as it relates to women and families. Lt. Gov. Flanagan’s commitment to public service and advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly Native American populations, showcases her unwavering dedication to inclusivity and equity. As the state’s highest elected teacher, Lt. Gov. Coleman has tackled critical issues to address challenges in our public education system, leading vital and innovative programs to support both children and teachers across Kentucky.
As a member of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe, Lt. Gov. Flanagan has used her platform to highlight Indigenous issues and focus resources on Minnesota communities and constituencies that have been historically underserved. She made history in 2019 as the first racial minority woman elected to statewide office in Minnesota, and the country’s highest-ranking Native woman elected to executive office.
As Lt. Governor, Flanagan continues to make legislative strides on women’s issues including a new law to eliminate the pay gap, supporting domestic violence victims, paid family medical leave, protecting and expanding health care and more.
In Kentucky, Lt. Gov. Coleman “was the driving force behind waiving the GED fee.” She pushed for student-led mental health initiatives which has garnered more than $40 million in federal funding for Kentucky based schools. And during her upcoming term, she eying universal pre-kindergarten for Kentucky 4-year-olds. And she is doing all of this while urging women to take preventative measures to tackle breast cancer.
