Editor's Note: The following is a statement by Deborah L. Frett, CEO of Business and Professional Women/USA, regarding the second presidential debate.

“Business and Professional Women/USA (BPW/USA) has been calling for more public deliberation on work-life issues and last night’s presidential debate was a step in the right direction. Healthcare, the future of Social Security, affordable education, and retirement security were touched on and are critical to the economic security of working women and their families.

The current economic crisis hurts everyone, but it disproportionately affects working women and their ability to take care of their families. BPW/USA believes it is essential for the final presidential debate, slated for October 15, to include substantive discussion of workingwomen’s issues and the candidates’ specific positions and plans. We need to hear about policies that impact women’s economic stability and workplace equity such as equal pay, retirement security, family and medical leave, elder care, women’s health and women veterans.

Women are a critical voting contingent and will influence the outcome of this presidential race. Affordable child care, pay equity, work-life balance and retirement security aren’t just women’s issues – they are family issues. If the candidates want to win over this crucial voting block then they must address these issues.”

Founded in 1919, BPW/USA is a multi-generational, nonpartisan membership organization with a mission to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. Established as the first organization to focus on issues of workingwomen, BPW/USA is historically a leader in grassroots activism, policy influence and advocacy for millions of workingwomen. For more information visit the BPW/USA website at www.bpwusa.org.