Move Over Andrew Jackson, Twenty Dollar Bills May Soon Get a Major Makeover

By SheSpeaksTeam Apr 22, 2015

In an attempt to see more gender equality in our pocketbooks Representative Luis Gutierrez recently introduced a bill that would place a notable woman’s face on a $20 bill. The bill that would replace Andrew Jackson’s face with that of a woman’s is being supported by the grassroots movement known as the Women on 20’s Organization. According to the organization’s website, they hope to have a historically significant woman on the face of the $20 bill specifically as they feel it will be an excellent way to celebrate the 2020 which marks the 100 year anniversary of women’s right to vote.

The “Put a Woman on the Twenty Act” would allow the secretary of the treasury form a commission to come up with potential candidates to be immortalized on the $20. Suggestions from the public will also be taken into consideration and so far Women on 20’s organizations has received the most votes for candidates like Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller.

Rep. Gutierrez is quoted in a press release explaining why displaying a woman’s face on our widely used paper currency would be a step in the right direction. He says, “Recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of women throughout American history on U.S. paper currency makes a powerful statement to my daughters and to young women across this country and to people across the globe who look to America as an example of inclusion and equal rights.” He adds, “As the most used currency in international transactions, billions will see our values and freedoms in the course of daily financial transactions in every corner of the world.”

Even President Obama has chimed in regarding the bill to have a woman’s face on our currency. After receiving a letter from a fourth grade girl asking why we don’t have women on our money he let the public know he thought this would be a good idea. He is quoted from a speech saying, “Last week, a young girl wrote to ask me why aren't there any women on our currency. And then she gave me like a long list of possible women to put on our dollar bills and quarters and stuff -- which I thought was a pretty good idea.”

What do you think of the bill that would place a woman’s face on the $20 bill?

Which notable historical figure do you think would make a good candidate for the new $20?