Economic Justice
Our Policy Approach and Advocacy
The majority of family breadwinners in Louisiana are women who represent a significant force in Louisiana’s economy. But two-thirds of minimum wage earners are also women, living in poverty and not earning the same as men for the same work. Lift actively engages with the public and policy makers to broaden awareness of these stark economic realities, and advocates for effective changes that will bring financial stability, increased gender equity, and improve the economic futures for more women and Louisiana families.
What You Need to Know
21.8%
of Louisiana women live in poverty
2/3
of minimum wage earners in Louisiana are women
$0.49
Black women only make 49 cents on the dollar compared to white men. Overall, Louisiana women make 73 cents on the dollar compared to white men.
Policy Priorities
Establishing a Living Wage
The Louisiana minimum hourly wage has remained at the federally-mandated level of $7.25 for 15 years. During that time, we have witnessed many basic needs—housing, food, transportation, clothing and other costs—significantly increase. Living on a minimum wage job is virtually impossible and yet this is what many of our elected officials expect people to do. We advocate for a liveable wage that allows Louisiana families to afford stable housing, food, reliable transportation and other basic necessities.
Eliminating the Gender Wage Gap
Louisiana is one of the worst states when it comes to gender pay parity, and in a poor state like ours, this discrepancy causes even more harm for women, who are performing the same job as men and getting paid less. Lift advocates for the passage of equity pay legislation that would eliminate the wage gap, improve the economic circumstances of thousands of Louisiana women, reduce poverty and attract and retain talent from outside of our state.
Providing Paid Family Leave
The United States is one of the few developed countries without national paid family leave, and Louisiana offers no state-mandated family leave. Paid family leave would let parents care for newborn children, attend to sick loved ones, and allow for adequate recovery from injury or sickness. A large majority of people in Louisiana support paid family leave, and Lift strongly supports legislation that would establish it in our state.
Eliminating Employment Discrimination
We strongly believe in fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute their talents without fear of bias or unfair treatment especially because of race, gender and sexual orientation. Lift supports creating proactive legislation that will dismantle discrimination so organizations can cultivate diverse perspectives, enhance employee well-being, and create a foundation for innovation and sustained success.
Legislative Victories
PASSED
Act 449 (2021) Abolishes State Taxes on Period Products and Diapers
In 2019 and 2020, Lift worked with local governments in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport to repeal local sales taxes on period products and diapers. In 2021, we advocated for the passage of Act 449 to eliminate the state sales taxes on these products.
PASSED
Act 393 Provides Accommodations for Pregnant and Birthing People
Act 393 requires that employers make necessary adjustments for pregnant employees or new mothers. This can include but isn’t limited to longer and more frequent restroom breaks, allowing an employee to sit when needed, less strenuous duties, assistance with manual labor and providing an area to express breast milk.
PASSED
Act 529 (CROWN Act) Protects Against Hair Discrimination
Lift supported the CROWN ACT (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) protects against discrimination based on hairstyles that are considered “natural, protective or cultural.” These include but are not limited to afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.
Latest Updates
