SB 2303 - Women's Economic Security Act of 2021

• Requires Mississippi Department of Human Services to spend minimum $20 million annually from TANF funds on Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) and transfer at least 20% of state's TANF block grant to Child Care and Development Fund.

• Expands Medicaid eligibility beginning July 1, 2021 to include individuals age 65+ not pregnant, not entitled to Medicare Part A, with income not exceeding 133% of federal poverty level, with essential health benefits coverage.

• Establishes Mississippi Paid Family Leave Act providing 12 workweeks of paid leave annually for childbirth, child placement, family member care, or employee's serious health condition, with job protection upon return.

• Increases state minimum wage to $7.50/hour (2021), $7.75/hour (2022), $8.00/hour (2023), and $10.00/hour (2024), with automatic increases when federal minimum wage rises.

• Creates Women and High-Wage, High-Demand, Nontraditional Jobs Grant Program and establishes paid sick and safe leave requirements (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours annually) for employee health, family care, and domestic violence situations.