Louisiana Senate Bill SR43

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/16
• Passed: 4/12/16

Caption

Recognizes Tuesday, April 12, 2016, as Equal Pay Day in the state of Louisiana.

Impact

The resolution serves to encourage awareness and action towards fair pay practices across both public and private sectors in Louisiana. It cites statistics from the Louisiana Fair Pay Task Force, calling for businesses and organizations to conduct internal evaluations to ensure equitable pay for women. These efforts aim to strengthen family economic security and positively influence the broader economic environment by promoting fair labor practices.

Summary

SR43 is a resolution that recognizes April 12, 2016, as Equal Pay Day in the state of Louisiana, highlighting the ongoing issue of wage disparity between men and women. The resolution underscores that women, particularly minority women, continue to suffer from unequal pay long after the passage of the Equal Pay Act. In Louisiana, women working full-time and year-round earn approximately 78% of what their male counterparts earn, a statistic that signifies a lack of progress in achieving pay equity. The resolution draws attention to the critical economic implications of this issue, especially for families where women are primary earners.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR43 is largely supportive, as it aligns with ongoing advocacy for women's rights and pay equity. Legislators and advocacy groups celebrate the resolution as a necessary acknowledgment of the disparities faced by women in the workforce. However, there may be contention in addressing how effectively such resolutions translate into actionable policies and the actual practices of businesses in enforcing equal pay.

Contention

While the resolution does not impose direct legislative changes, it raises important questions about implementation and accountability in the pursuit of equal pay. Stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of resolutions like SR43 in inciting meaningful legislative or corporate changes, given the complexities surrounding compensation practices. The resolution serves to illuminate the hard truths about wage inequality while fostering dialogue on solutions to bridge the pay gap.