Louisiana House Bill HCR66

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/14
• Engrossed: 4/7/14
• Passed: 4/9/14

Caption

Recognizes Tuesday, April 8, 2014, as Equal Pay Day in Louisiana

Impact

The resolution primarily aims to raise awareness about the significant gender wage gap that not only affects women's economic status but also their families' financial stability. With statistics indicating that women are underpaid relative to their educational attainment and experience, HCR66 calls for internal pay evaluations by businesses to ensure fair compensation practices. Its adoption is part of a broader initiative to enhance economic security for women, particularly those who serve as primary income earners in their households.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 66 (HCR66) recognizes April 8, 2014, as Equal Pay Day in Louisiana, emphasizing the ongoing wage disparities that persist between men and women, particularly affecting minority women. The resolution draws attention to findings from the Louisiana Fair Pay Task Force, which study and advise on legislative measures necessary to eliminate pay inequities. Despite the enactment of the Equal Pay Act over fifty years ago, the resolution highlights that, as of 2012, women in Louisiana earned only 66.9% of what their male counterparts made, indicating minimal progress towards pay equity in the state.

Sentiment

Sentiment around the bill appears to be positive, with support from various organizations advocating for women's rights and pay equity. The resolution aligns with national efforts to address the urgent necessity for equal pay and reflects a growing consensus on the need for systemic change. However, the resolution might generate discussions about economic policies that could affect businesses' compensation practices, thus inviting opinions from both supporters and detractors.

Contention

While HCR66 serves as a proclamation advocating for equal pay, it does not establish specific policy changes or penalties for non-compliance by employers. This could lead to debates about the effectiveness of mere acknowledgment without accompanying legislative measures to enforce pay equity. The resolution intentionally emphasizes the importance of voluntary compliance by businesses, leading to questions about the adequacy of such an approach in achieving meaningful progress in closing the wage gap between men and women.