Minnesota is getting it done again with the proposal of the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA).

DFL leaders introduced WESA as a package of legislation that would remedy some of the financial challenges facing Minnesota women. The most prominent issues addressed include disproportionally low pay rates in comparison to men, high childcare costs, and barriers of entry to high paying, high skilled jobs.

WESA addresses these issues among several others in order to pave the way for more economic and social progress. The most prominent feature of the WESA is an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $9.50 an hour, which is already being discussed in the Minnesota House and Senate.

To address the burdens of high domestic costs, the WESA expands access to high-quality and affordable childcare by removing scholarship cap limits and some program fees.

Through incentives and DEED workforce development programs, WESA would also provide more women with the opportunity to enter competitive and high paying job sectors, like computer sciences and information technologies.

This all adds up to good news for Minnesotans. It helps increase the talent pool, eases the financial burden of daycare, and boosts the earning potential of workers.

Not to mention, it’s the fair and right thing to do. And it only makes sense as Minnesota keeps progressing. Just last year, we saw lots of progressive accomplishments within our state- same sex marriage, all day kindergarten, and the biggest investment in education in a decade to name a few.

As we keep progressing forward and look toward the passing of WESA, it’s startling to see what is happening in other states. Alabama, for example, recently passed a bill that would ban abortions after just 42 days. 42 days. Less than 2 months. That’s what they’re debating in Alabama. And here in Minnesota, we’re talking about how to help women reach their full earning potential.

And it’s all thanks to our progressive leadership.