"The opportunities created by Title IV for female athletes are compelling thus far but we have only scratched the surface. The fact that more women today are participating in athletics proves that this law is working and should be continued," said Rep. Andrews. "Despite the fact women make up more than half of the enrollment at our Nation’s colleges, currently, only 43% of the nation’s college athletes are women."

On January 28, 2003, Rep. Andrews wrote to Secretary Paige urging him to refrain from dismantling Title IV. Congressman Andrews has pointed to the fact that both the president of the NCAA, Myles Brand as well as two of the three female athletes on the government’s advisory committee, Julie Foudy, captain of the U.S. national women's soccer team, and Olympic swimming gold medallist Donna de Varona oppose the advisory committee’s findings. Further, proponents of Title IV cite a 1997 gender-equity study by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which found that spending for men's athletics continues to dwarf monies spent on women's sports, specifically, $2.4 million per school on average for men versus $663,000 on average for women.

In recognition of National Women’s Month, Rep. Andrews joined with Rep. Jim Saxton to visit Family Service in Moorestown to commend this organization for their work to help battered women, single mothers, teen parents and women afflicted with mental illnesses. Both Representatives Andrews and Saxton serve as honorary Co-Chairs of the organization’s campaign to help them raise the remaining portion of an estimated $3.9 million project to build a new facility in Lumberton. They have pledged to help the group identify sources of potential federal, state and private funding and to support those requests to help make the creation of this new facility a reality.

Rep. Andrews next, addressed high school students from across South Jersey participating in a math and science enrichment program at Rowan University College of Engineering to promote the need for more young women to pursue degrees and careers rooted in math and science. According to the National Center for Education Statistics', National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 1990-2000 Mathematics and Science Assessments, a comparison of males’ and females’ results shows that there were higher percentages of males at or above proficient at grades 4,8 and 12. Additionally, the average woman employed in a math or science career was paid 76 cents for every dollar her male counterpart was paid, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2001 data. To combat this disparity and encourage more young women to pursue degrees and careers rooted in mathematics and science, Rep. Andrews, in 2001, worked to pass the Women's Educational Equity Act of 2001 as part of No Child Left Behind. This law has provided the requisite mandate and funding to create educational materials, teaching and learning practices, similar to the program provided at Rowan University, to provide a more nurturing environment for which young women can excel in math and science learning.

Rep. Andrews continued his day at Underwood Hospital’s Maternal Child Health Area in Woodbury where he announced that he will re-introduce legislation that would create a nationwide mandate that all health insurance companies cover the cost of fertility drugs for women. While some states like Iowa, Massachusetts and New Jersey currently mandate that certain insurers provide this type of coverage, Congressman Andrews plan would require that all insurers, across the Nation, cover fertility treatments for women. Rep. Andrews was joined by his constituent, Deanna Tatusko, whose health insurance company refused to compensate her for a portion of the cost of her fertility treatments, which totaled $7000. The National Infertility Association has indicated that 1 in 10 couples are diagnosed with infertility. Despite this fact, many health plans choose not to cover fertility treatments but they do cover medications, like Viagra. Estimates have shown that in states like Massachusetts and Iowa, which mandate that health plans cover these treatments, the costs are pennies on the dollar.

Rep. Andrews concluded his day at the Volunteers of America-Delaware Valley shelter in Camden where he promoted the need to donate used cell phones for use by victims of domestic violence. Since deactivated cell phones may still be used to access 911 emergency services, they provide a vital means of emergency communication for these victims who live in constant fear of attack. Rep. Andrews donated seven phones to the shelter and encouraged others to do the same. For more information on where you can donate your used cell phone contact: Michael Walsh at (856) 854-4660 ext. 139 or at www.voadv.com.