To the editor:
The 2014 House passed several significant bills, but one in particular is well overdue. The Women’s Economic Security Act, aimed at eliminating the pay gap and work place discrimination that still occurs for female workers, was passed with broad bipartisan support on April 9th.
It may seem surprising that the Legislature needs to address equal pay issues in 2014, but women still earn just 80 cents to every dollar men receive for equal work in Minnesota. There is no single cause for this discrepancy in pay. It’s the result of numerous outdated policies which still create barriers for female workers.
The Women’s Economic Security Act fixes many of those policies and expands support for employers and workforce organizations to recruit and retain women in high wage, nontraditional occupations. It requires businesses that contract with the state to ensure compliance with existing equal pay laws. It provides enforcement of existing workforce protections for nursing mothers. It expands unpaid leave to allow for more flexibility for both mothers and fathers.
More and more Minnesota families rely on female workers to serve as the primary breadwinner. Yet, because of the dramatic pay gap that still exists, those families are left at a financial disadvantage. All Minnesota families should have the same opportunities to succeed. By ensuring female workers are treated fairly, we improve the financial stability for their families. When women do well, Minnesota’s economy does well. The Women’s Economic Security Act moves our state in that direction.
Rick Hansen