Mississippi Women's Economic Security Act of 2019

• Establishes state minimum wage beginning January 1, 2020 at $7.50/hour, increasing to $10.00/hour by January 1, 2023, with federal minimum wage increases triggering automatic state increases at federal rate plus 0.5%.

• Requires $20,000,000 annual spending from TANF Block Grant funds on Child Care Payment Program and mandates transfer of at least 20% of state's TANF block grant to Child Care and Development Fund.

• Creates Mississippi Paid Family Leave Act providing 12 workweeks of paid leave annually for birth, adoption, serious health conditions, or family member care; requires employers with 50+ employees to provide coverage.

• Establishes equal pay requirements prohibiting gender-based wage discrimination for comparable work and requires state contractors with 20+ employees to obtain equal pay certificates; creates Women in High-Wage, High-Demand, Nontraditional Jobs Grant Program.

• Creates Mississippi Higher Education Grant Program for Single Mothers earning up to 150% of federal poverty level, providing minimum $1,500 annual awards for tuition, childcare, and related expenses at state institutions and approved nonprofits.