Louisiana House Bill HCR37

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/15
• Engrossed: 4/14/15
• Passed: 4/15/15

Caption

Recognizes Tuesday, April 14, 2015, as Equal Pay Day in Louisiana

Impact

The passage of HCR37 is largely symbolic but serves to draw attention to the critical issue of pay equity in Louisiana. Supported by the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus and various women's advocacy organizations, the resolution emphasizes the economic implications of unequal pay, particularly for families headed by women, where economic security is jeopardized due to such disparities. Furthermore, issues such as poverty rates among female-headed households, especially for women of color, underline the pressing need for policy changes addressing wage inequality.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 37 recognizes April 14, 2015, as Equal Pay Day in Louisiana, aiming to highlight the ongoing wage disparities between men and women, particularly affecting minority women. Specifically, the resolution points to the findings that indicate full-time working women in Louisiana earned only an average of 78% of what their male counterparts made, demonstrating insufficient progress in achieving pay equity. The bill was initiated following the establishment of the Louisiana Fair Pay Task Force, which examined wage differences and suggested policy changes to address these issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR37 reflects a significant concern for social and economic justice, particularly in light of the overwhelming statistics showcasing wage disparity. Advocates for the resolution express optimism that highlighting Equal Pay Day can catalyze change in businesses to undergo internal evaluations of pay practices. However, sentiments regarding the implementation of actual legislative measures to rectify wage equity disparities remain mixed, with some resistance expected from entities concerned about the financial ramifications of mandated pay evaluations.

Contention

While HCR37 aims to unify and highlight the call for equal pay, some lawmakers and business groups may contest the implications of such public recognition. The resolution does not propose direct legislative changes but rather serves as a rallying point for future discussions on pay equity. As such, criticism may arise regarding the efficacy of such symbolic actions as they relate to tangible improvements in wage structures across the state. Nevertheless, the resolution aims to strengthen public awareness and push for broader dialogues surrounding pay equity reforms.