As a result of Operation Rescue in the spring of 1992, a small group of women decided that a political action committee was needed to elect qualified women to public office in Western New York.  At one of the first meetings, it was decided the we not only wanted to see more women in public office, we wanted these women to be pro-choice.  We also decided that we would be non-partisan in our support of candidates.

At first, we considered becoming an arm of an existing organization or PAC but after some research, we saw that this was not feasible.  We did not want to be affiliated with only one party and we realized that there were other vehicles available to women on a federal level. What was needed was that vehicle in our own back yard.

By mid-November 1992, our by laws were written and filed.  We decided that we would focus our attention on Erie and Niagara counties only, allowing us to fund candidates for local and state wide elections.  

The TAP Fund was launched at a reception for Geraldine Ferraro in December 1992 to a room filled with involved, excited and energized women.

To date, we have funded 191 races for women seeking elective office from school board elections to NYS Supreme Court races; 95 of them have attained their goal.  The TAP Fund has given over $440,000 to our candidates over the last 10 years as well as generating another $130,000 in funds bundled directly to TAP candidates.

Steering Committee

Jane Griffin, President
Dianne Bennett
Ruth Bryant
Susan Clements
Peggy Davison
Alison Fleischmann
Sue Gaska
Margot Glick
Martha Hyde
Shirley Joseph
Linda Nenni
Wendy Pierce
Jackie Rushton
Nancy Tobin
Tara Vogel
Janet Wisbaum
Myrna Young