WHEREAS, One hundred years ago in 1918 seven years after California women won the right to vote Grace Dorris, Esto Broughton, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor were the first four females elected to the California State Assembly; and

WHEREAS, The first 1918 pioneer, Grace Dorris, ran for the Assembly in her husbands place after he enlisted in the Navy during World War I, and in an era when candidates could run in multiple primaries, Dorris won the Republican, Democratic, Socialist, and Prohibition primaries. Once elected to the Assembly, Dorris advocated for shorter work hours for domestic servants and for the creation of a public defenders office to provide legal services to indigent defendants; and

WHEREAS, The second 1918 pioneer, Esto Broughton, played a leading role in bringing water to San Joaquin Valley farms by co-authoring landmark legislation that allowed irrigation districts to develop electric power in connection with irrigation projects. Broughton also authored legislation that reformed Californias community property law; and

WHEREAS, The third 1918 pioneer, Elizabeth Hughes, defeated two male opponents in the primary election, one of whom argued that women were too weak to survive in politics. Hughes became the chair of the Assembly Education committee and sponsored legislation to expand what later became Chico State University. She also carried successful legislation related to compulsory school age, county school funding, junior colleges, and the creation of part-time schools; and

WHEREAS, The fourth 1918 pioneer, Anna Saylor, ran for the Assembly on a platform to eradicate illiteracy, and to boost state support of elementary schools. After winning a landslide victory in the general election, Saylor led a high-profile campaign to abolish the death penalty for minors, and established psychiatric clinics in state prisons. Saylor was also dedicated to creating mental health assistance for the elderly and reducing exploitation of children in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Grace Dorris, Esto Broughton, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor were serious and earnest lawmakers who hurdled longstanding political barriers in 1918 to occupy positions of leadership that women struggled over decades to secure; and

WHEREAS, Each of the four 1918 pioneers broke down stereotypes and traditional gender roles and left lasting imprints on California public policy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly honors Grace Dorris, Esto Broughton, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor, and recognizes August 27, 2018, as the 100th anniversary of the election of the first four women to the California State Assembly; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Date of Hearing: August 16, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES

Ken Cooley, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:HR 122 (

Author:Eggman) – As Introduced Ver:August 8, 2018

SUBJECT: the 100th anniversary of the first women elected to the California State Assembly.

SUMMARY: Recognizes August 27, 2018, as the 100th anniversary of the election of the first four women to the California State Assembly. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. One hundred years ago in 1918 – seven years after California women won the right to vote – Grace Dorris, Esto Broughton, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor were the first four females elected to the California State Assembly.
2. Grace Dorris, ran for the Assembly in her husband’s place after he enlisted in the Navy during World War I, and in an era when candidates could run in multiple primaries, Dorris won the Republican, Democratic, Socialist, and Prohibition primaries. Once elected to the Assembly, Dorris advocated for shorter work hours for domestic servants and for the creation of a public defender’s office to provide legal services to indigent defendants.
3. Esto Broughton, played a leading role in bringing water to San Joaquin Valley farms by co-authoring landmark legislation that allowed irrigation districts to develop electric power in connection with irrigation projects. Broughton also authored legislation that reformed California’s community property law.
4. Elizabeth Hughes, defeated two male opponents in the primary election, one of whom argued that women were too weak to survive in politics. Hughes became the chair of the Assembly Education committee and sponsored legislation to expand what later became Chico State University. She also carried successful legislation related to compulsory school age, county school funding, junior colleges, and the creation of part-time schools.
5. Anna Saylor, ran for the Assembly on a platform to eradicate illiteracy, and to boost state support of elementary schools. After winning a landslide victory in the general election, Saylor led a high-profile campaign to abolish the death penalty for minors, and established psychiatric clinics in state prisons. Saylor was also dedicated to creating mental health assistance for the elderly and reducing exploitation of children in the workplace.
6. Grace Dorris, Esto Broughton, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor were serious and earnest lawmakers who hurdled longstanding political barriers in 1918 to occupy positions of leadership that women struggled over decades to secure; and, each of the four 1918 pioneers broke down stereotypes and traditional gender roles and left lasting imprints on California public policy.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800