Washington, D.C. – In response to the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visiting the site of the proposed Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument, which would celebrate the life and legacy of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve on a presidential cabinet, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) released the following statements:

“Secretary Haaland’s visit to the proposed Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument exemplifies the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to honoring the legacy of social justice and labor rights icon Frances Perkins,“ said LCV Conservation Program Director America Fitzpatrick. “Perkins’ legacy of protecting workers endures today through programs such as Social Security, federal minimum wage, and the 40-hour work week, and reminds us of the importance of a healthy labor movement in reaching our climate and clean energy goals. We urge the Biden-Harris administration to continue its work to protect our nation’s most culturally and environmentally significant sites by designating the Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument to honor her incredible achievements for social justice and labor rights.”

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“People in Maine care about preserving our environment and heritage, including recognizing homegrown leaders who make our nation proud,” said Maine Conservation Voters Partnerships Director Nick Janzen. “Francis Perkins was a trailblazer, labor rights pioneer, and major advocate for programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps. Her life and work remind us that strong environmental and pro-union policies go hand in hand. We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris administration has taken the next step in heralding her life and achievements by proposing designating her ancestral homestead, the Frances Perkins Homestead National Historic Landmark, as a National Monument.”

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