Dayton signs law to give women a better workplace
Gov. Mark Dayton rang in Mother’s Day Sunday by giving final approval to a package of bills aimed at improving conditions for women in the workplace.
The Women’s Economic Security Act, comprised of nine separate pieces of legislation, won legislative approval last week with bipartisan support. It forces about 1,000 state contractors to certify that they pay men and women equally for similar jobs, extends parental leave from six to 12 weeks and requires employers to make new accommodations for expectant and new mothers.
Dayton signed the bill surrounded by women at an event at the governor’s reception room. Women’s groups fought hard for the package.
“Nothing else like this is happening in the nation,” said Lee Roper-Batker, president of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. “I have to tell you the nation is watching and cheering … right now.”
