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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 2, 2015 04:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jason Dawkins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania Fair Employment Opportunity Act (Formerly HB 180) |
In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation (House Bill 180), to create “The Pennsylvania Fair Employment Opportunity Act,” which would prohibit employers or employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed workers in job advertisements and hiring. Far too often job advertisements have stipulations placed on job positions that state that candidates must “be presently employed” or that the “unemployed need not apply.” Considering the current job market and economic environment, we need to do all we are able to help the unemployed population. Considering there is a current unemployment rate of 5.1% in the Commonwealth, these types of road blocks are counterproductive to say the least. With this in mind, my legislation would create a process within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for these advertisements and occurrences to be reported and investigated. Also, fines would be levied by the department against an employer or agency that is found to be in violation of this legislation. During the last legislative session, similar proposals were put forth in nearby states and on the federal level, and similar proposals were enacted in New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) is planning on reintroducing the federal Fair Employment Opportunity Act; she was the prime sponsor of this bill last session. I firmly believe that my legislation will work to keep employers from undermining any and all efforts to stimulate the economy. It is imperative that we protect the men and women of Pennsylvania who want to work and are seeking reemployment. I hope that you will join me in cosponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2158