Requests the Department of Economic Development to encourage new and existing Louisiana companies to create strategies that would increase the number of women employed in STEM positions
Impact
The bill calls for an inter-agency collaboration involving the Louisiana Women's Policy and Research Commission, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus, the Office on Women's Policy, and the Louisiana Department of Education, among others. These bodies are expected to work together to create and promote mentoring programs and educational initiatives that specifically target young women, encouraging them to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. By fostering an environment that supports women's involvement in these areas, HCR136 could lead to an increase in female representation within STEM disciplines, affecting broader economic outcomes for women in the state.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 136 (HCR136) requests the Department of Economic Development in Louisiana to encourage both new and existing companies to develop strategies aimed at increasing the number of women employed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) positions. This resolution recognizes the significant gender wage disparity in Louisiana, where women consistently earn much less than men, and highlights the role of STEM fields in narrowing this gap through improved job opportunities and higher wages. By focusing on enhancing women's participation in STEM careers, HCR136 aims to promote gender equity in the workforce, especially in high-demand, high-paying sectors.
Sentiment
Sentiments surrounding HCR136 appear to be generally positive, promoting the idea that increased women’s employment in STEM can significantly benefit both the economy and gender equity. Advocates argue that this resolution supports not only women but also helps the state by closing the gender wage gap and addressing labor shortages in STEM fields. Critics, if any, are not extensively documented in the available discussions, suggesting a consensus or lack of opposition to the goals expressed in the resolution.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the historical context of the gender wage gap in Louisiana, which ranks among the highest in the nation. HCR136 aims to draw attention to this issue and incite action from private and public sectors. The resolution emphasizes that companies relocating to Louisiana are encouraged to showcase their commitment to diversity by actively supporting women in STEM roles. This focus may raise discussions about the effectiveness and sincerity of corporate commitments towards diversity, and how these policies can be enforced or monitored to ensure tangible outcomes.
Requests that the state Dept. of Education and public school governing authorities implement certain measures based on the La. Women's Policy and Research Commission's recommendations pertaining to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in its 2013 report to the governor
Commends DPS&C for transferring certain equipment to the La. Correctional Institute for Women to begin offering female inmates training programs for high-demand and high-wage jobs
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to align its job training programs across all prison systems to high-demand, high-wage jobs in a gender-neutral manner to assist women in attaining such jobs upon release
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to establish partnerships with area universities to provide additional access to individual therapy and drug treatment for inmates at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.