The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi commends the Mississippi Legislature for exploring equal pay for women. This move reflects a proactive stance that we should continue to explore and hopefully codify when we get it right. Unfortunately, HB 1241 is not the right language. We should not get caught up in the rhetoric that this is an Equal Pay bill. It is not! It does equality more harm than good.
This legislation is a preemption bill that would prevent local municipalities from establishing minimum living wages, sick days and vacation days. It also includes an equal pay amendment that provides fewer protections than the federal law.
Tomorrow is critical so you are asked to ACT Now.
This bill goes before the Senate Finance Committee on tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. We need you to call Chair Joey Filligane and Vice Chair Dean Kirby and tell them to stop this bill. Tell them “DO NOT support HB 1241” because this bill will hurt women and men who work for local government.
This is not an Equal Pay Bill.
Mississippi can do better! Mississippi #BeFair!
