JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, brought Senate Bill 144 before the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee last week (3-17). This legislation would require the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish best practice guidelines for gender pay equality.
The guidelines set forth would pertain to state and local governments and public businesses. They would include: what gender pay equality is; why gender pay inequality happens; the benefits of gender pay equality; and how to achieve gender pay equality.
“This is a fairness issue we should be addressing and for which we should be setting guidelines. More than that, it hampers our economy,” said Sen. LeVota. “This bill would merely suggest these guidelines, not require them. They are very generic, but would be a step in the right direction in creating equal pay for all Missourians.”
According to a study by the University of Missouri- Truman public affairs, women make up 51 percent of Missouri and account for 48 percent of the work force. However, these studies also revealed that women will earn 29 percent less than a man for the same job and work, even though women hold a lower unemployment rate.
“There is no excuse and no room for inequality between genders in this day and age. If we do not address this issue now, it will only further erode opportunity,” continued Sen. LeVota. “We must work together in order to ensure that male and female employees receive equal pay for equal work.”
This bill would promote economic development and support for women and their families. Missouri’s economy continues to struggle due to gender inequality. On average, women employed full-time in Missouri are losing a combined total of $8 million dollars due to the wage gap. Senator LeVota’s measure would aid Missouri in closing the wage gap and provide all Missouri women the opportunity to provide for their families and work in an equal and fair industry. |
