minnesota women's economic security act
TRANSCRIPT
LISA C. STRATTON C O - F O U N D E R | E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
G E N D E R J U S T I C E
Minnesota Women’s Economic Security Act
February 18, 2015
Gender Justice
550 Rice Street
Saint Paul, MN 55103
651.789.2090
www.genderjustice.us
Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) Goals
Formed the Minnesota Coalition for Women’s Economic Security to: Reduce barriers to build a stronger economic foundation for all
Provide equal opportunities and pay for women
Help women and men balance family and work responsibilities
Pay women the same as men for comparable work and living wages to help Minnesotan families dependent on women’s income achieve/ maintain the middle class American dream
Help women and men plan and save for their retirement to improve financial security for older Minnesotans
Reduce the clustering of women in certain job sectors
Provide paid leave in order to produce positive outcomes for employers and employees
WESA Accomplishments
Allows mothers to stay in the workforce by expanding family leave and providing reasonable accommodations for pregnant and nursing mothers
Expands participation of women in high-wage, high-demand nontraditional work
Increases enforcement of equal pay laws for state contractors and allows all employees to discuss pay inequities
Addresses the “motherhood penalty”
Raises minimum wage to $9.50 by 2016
Addresses economic consequences of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault
Enhances retirement security by considering state retirement savings plan for those without employer-provided option
Research-Based
Research-Based
Keys to Success
Commitment of Legislative Leaders
MN Senate President Sandy Pappas
Keys to Success
Launch Event
Keys to Success
Launch Event
Keys to Success
Communications Tools - Website
Keys to Success
Organizing Tool - Basecamp
Keys to Success
Communications/Organizing Tools
Basecamp
functions
Keys to Success
Media Strategy
Focus on “Greater Minnesota”
Keys to Success
Editorials Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Passage of WESA was “a catalyzing moment
that has the potential to set off the next
major wave of activism and policy advances
for women and their families.”
2014: Columnist highlights
“Unfinished Business” – “Caring for frail elders?
Not a workplace priority” just yet”
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/
commentaries/258697901.html
2015: “The Equalizing Work of the
1970s is Back on the Agenda”
http://www.startribune.com/
opinion/commentaries/290389331.html
Keys to Success
Consistent branding on Fact Sheets
One-pagers for each bill and omnibus bills
No logos or branding of individual organizations
Keys to Success
Storytellers Connection to Cases
Tara Duncan v. Goihl Chiropractic
Tara Duncan testifying before Conference Committee
Keys to Success
Engagement of Millenials
17
What WE can do together
mnwesa.org
Continued Challenges
Challenges to continuing Women’s Economic Security
Agenda brand & momentum
Funding
Leadership
Election results – divided legislature
Legislators had (and continue to have) final say on what
is included and framing.
Implementation & Enforcement
Questions?
Follow up:
Gender Justice
550 Rice Street
Saint Paul, MN 55103
651.789.2090
www.genderjustice.us