Kansas City, MO -- As the 2017 Session of the Missouri General Assembly ended tonight, Women's Foundation reflected on recent progress, and work still unfinished.
“Women's Foundation has seen our policy work take meaningful steps forward through executive and legislative action, including touching the lives of more than 50,000 state workers through the Governor’s parental leave policy," said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation. "We thank Governor Greitens and members of the General Assembly for working with us on these issues, but we can’t let up. There is more work to be done, and we hope the progress made motivates Missouri’s leaders to work even harder to improve the economic well-being of women and their families.”
Over the past year, Women’s Foundation has conducted and released research on the Status of Women in Missouri, on Occupational Licensing and Women Entrepreneurs and on Paid Family Leave. Women’s Foundation used this research to work with Governor Eric Greitens, Speaker Todd Richardson and Missouri legislators to identify bipartisan policy solutions at the statewide level to remove barriers for women to succeed economically.
In March, Governor Greitens signed an executive order on paid parental leave, providing Missouri state employees under his authority six weeks of parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The Missouri Department of Transportation later followed suit. State Auditor Nicole Galloway also announced new office policies to benefit employees dealing with domestic violence. On April 11, the governor signed an executive order recognizing that some boards and commissions may limit some Missourians’ ability to access a profession or service -- an issue that Women’s Foundation has worked to highlight through its research on occupational licensing. The Missouri legislature also debated several bills that would improve the lives of women by removing economic barriers.
“Whether it’s paid family and medical leave, removing barriers for women to open their own businesses, or equal pay for equal work, Women’s Foundation will continue to work for change for Missouri women and their families,” said Kendall Seal, Vice President of Women's Foundation.
Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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