"In this period of economic downturn there’s one area where women have achieved equality," said U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-14th Dist.) at a recent conference in New York City. "Job loss." 

Until now, the financial crisis has largely focused on two fairly ambiguous demographics: Wall Street and Main Street. But how have layoffs and budget cuts impacted women? And the poor? Legal Momentum has launched a campaign urging congress, as part of an economic stimulus package, to suspend the time limit on eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits until the economy recovers. Today on GRITtv we examine how the financial meltdown has affected women and whether Obama’s stimulus plan addresses their needs.

We are joined by Francoise Jacobsohn the Project Manager of Legal Momentum’s Equality Works Program, Arva Rice Executive Director of Project Enterprise, Veronica Sessions of Carpenters Union Local 926, and by phone Dr. Heidi Hartmann, President of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and Yvonne Gomillion an Employee Assistance Representative at UAW Local 909.

Then, Karen Chilton on the life of Hazel Scott, a jazz prodigy and actor who has disappeared from this country’s musical and cultural history. Chilton’s book Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC tells the story of this remarkable woman; her marriage to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; her role as civil rights activist; and appearances before the House Un-American Activities Committee. 

Thanks to MomsRising for video in tonight’s show.

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