How One State Plans To Wipe Out Sexism At Work In A Single Bill

By Bryce Covert

On Thursday, Minnesota state lawmakers unveiled the “Women’s Economic Security Act of 2014,” a legislative package “designed to break down barriers to economic progress facing women – and all Minnesotans,” according to the release. Among the pieces of the package are paid sick leave, a raise in the minimum wage to $9.50, and expanding access to high-quality, affordable childcare.

“The Women’s Economic Security Act aims to break down barriers to economic progress so that women — and all Minnesotans — have a fair opportunity to succeed,” Paul Thissen (D), speaker of the Minnesota House, said of the package. It also includes other measures aimed a helping working women. Private companies contracted by the state would be required to report on pay equity among their workers. The state’s Parental Leave Act, which guarantees workers six unpaid weeks off for the arrival of a new child, would be expanded. It would encourage women to enter non-traditional, high-wage occupations and boost small businesses owned by women. And it would bolster existing protections for victims of domestic violence. State Sen. Sandy Pappas (D) and Rep. Carly Melin (D) will be the chief authors of the package.

While other states are working on legislation similar to different pieces of the package, putting them all together is less common but starting to come into vogue. A group of state Senators in Nebraska put forward a package last week similar to Minnesota’s, which included a minimum wage raise to $9, paid sick leave, paid family leave, and an expansion of the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) put forward a Women’s Equality Agenda last year that combined protections for pregnant workers, a ban on salary secrecy, and an expansion of women’s access to abortion.

Federal lawmakers have similarly taken a comprehensive approach to women’s equality. Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) outlined their “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds” agenda in July, which brings together universal childcare, a minimum wage increase, paid sick leave, and the Paycheck Fairness Act. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) outlined a five-point “American Opportunity Plan” that includes paid family leave, raising the minimum wage, affordable childcare, and the Paycheck Fairness Act.

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http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/01/31/3231891/minnesota-women-package/