The Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) was moved unanimously on to the next step today by the Minnesota House Jobs and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, but not before Majority Whip Representative John Persell (DFL-Bemidji), a father of eight who rocks a traditional rural Minnesota accent like none other, urged the men on the committee to remember the ladies.
The Uptake has posted a YouTube clip of the moment:
Representative John Persell urges his fellow Minnesota lawmakers to put on their "big boy pants" and pass a bill that supports women's economic self-sufficiency. He notes that this fight has been going on for more than 100 years.
The bill authored by fellow Democrat Carly Melin promotes reducing the gender pay gap, establishes women's employment grant programs, modifies the unemployment benefit eligibility for victims of sexual assault or stalking;
It also prohibits employment discrimination against family caregivers.
After Persell's comments, Melin says "I don't know how to follow that."
Even Representative Andrea Kieffer--who's gained national attention for calling parts of the omnibus bill "whining," put on her big girl pants to vote yes. (Kieffer's "whining statement is found here, about the about 53:30 mark in the House committee audio for March 12, 2013).
Here's the video via The Uptake:
Photo: Representative John Persell.
If you enjoyed reading this post, consider giving a donation via mail (P.O. Box 108, Maynard MN 56260) or paypal:
Okay, I gotta figure out how to turn "REAL FEMINIST MEN/WOMEN PUT ON THEIR BIG BOY/GIRL PANTS" into a poster.
Persell's parents must have been good people.
Posted by: Phoenix Woman | Mar 20, 2014 at 09:36 PM