The 2023 legislative sessions have begun. As representatives across Kansas and Missouri embark on the capitals, we are preparing for a busy and successful legislative session. Alongside evidence-based research, advocacy for women is our greatest priority at United WE. It is the most effective way to make real, lasting change in the lives of all women. Our research initiative has grown to a national scale, with the most recent study evaluating childcare licensing practices in all 50 states. However, our policy work remains rooted in Kansas and Missouri where our relationships and expertise have the greatest impact.
Whether you live in Kansas, Missouri or another state, we encourage you to follow the progress of our policy work. Each bill has the potential to position the Midwest as a leader in women’s economic and civic leadership. Earlier this month, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced her efforts to establish a universal licensing law that will allow for reciprocity across states. Just like the policy we helped establish across Missouri and Kansas, this bill increases employment opportunities for thousands of women and families in careers that require state licensure and certificates, such as hair stylists, therapists, dentists and more. This is just one example of ways United WE and Kansas and Missouri are leading the way in women’s economic opportunities across the nation.
Occupational licensing will continue to be a trending topic for legislators.
Simply put, occupational licensing is a nonpartisan issue that impacts the economic health of our states. Women hold active professional licenses at a rate 3 times higher than men, meaning women are disproportionately impacted by laws that limit workforce entry or entrepreneurship.
We expect representatives from both sides of the aisle to propose new bills that will further eliminate unnecessary licensing barriers. If you are in an occupation that requires a license and have experienced issues accessing your credentials, entering or remaining in the workforce, please share your story with us. Your experience will help our elected officials understand the true impact on the day to day lives of their citizens.
Childcare, childcare, childcare.
As the childcare crisis continues to make headlines, legislators are starting to make progress on new solutions to provide relief for women and families. During his State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 18, Governor Parson proposed a budget investment of $134 million in childcare and three new tax credits that will improve childcare facilities and services, improve benefits to employers who provide childcare assistance to their employees and assist childcare providers with payroll costs.
While there is still much work to be done, this is a significant step in the right direction. As a leader in the policy discussions and a partner with Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, we are proud to share that Missouri is quickly becoming a national leader in childcare solutions.
Much of the conversation and activity in Topeka and Jefferson City will revolve around childcare this session. We will continue to push that this is not just a women’s issue, but an economic development issue. Together, with the use of evidence-based research, private and public partnerships, and innovative solutions, we can solve the childcare crisis.
If you have been impacted by challenges with childcare, please share your story with us. From unaffordable rates, to being forced to leave the workforce, many women are experiencing the same challenges. We’d like to lift up your story to further educate legislators on the childcare crisis’ impact on our everyday lives.
Our work does not stop at occupational licensing and childcare. We will continue to work for you on other issues, including paid family leave, pay equity and entrepreneurship. Like our recent paid family leave announcement with Kansas City, Missouri just yesterday.
But we cannot do this alone. We need your continued support to advance our work. I personally encourage you to become a United WE Ambassador. It is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to support our work towards gender equity every month. Invite your friends, colleagues and family to join you, too.
Here’s to another year of removing barriers for all women!
Fondly,
Wendy Doyle