What Does AAUW-TN Public Policy Team Do?
- Support AAUW National priorities
- Support our signature legislation – Eliminating the Salary History Question from Tennessee Job Applications
- Influence the decision-making process through advocacy, education, and collaboration
- Engage with our local legislators, our members, and other like-minded organizations
- Level the playing field for women and girls in Tennessee
2025 Issues
AAUW Tennessee Public Policy Team: 2025 Issues List
1. Key AAUW Tennessee Priorities
- Signature Legislation: Advocate for reintroduction and passage of the “Eliminate the Salary History Question” bill to promote pay equity in Tennessee.
- Support AAUW National Priorities: Align with national efforts to advance gender equity, focusing on economic security, education, and social justice for women and girls.
- Collaboration with Like-Minded Organizations: Partner with groups such as the League of Women Voters (LWV) to amplify shared advocacy goals.
2. Tennessee General Assembly Hot Topics (2025)
- Education Freedom Act of 2025 (HB0001/SB0001)
- A school voucher initiative with potential implications for public education funding and equity.
- Unborn Child Protection Act of 2025 (HB0026)
- Legislation addressing reproductive health and rights, requiring close monitoring for potential impacts on women’s healthcare.
- End the Grocery Tax by Closing Corporate Loopholes Act (HB0002/SB0002)
- A bipartisan effort to eliminate grocery taxes, addressing fiscal policy and equity.
- Clarification on Abortion Definition (HB0014/SB0003)
- Ensures that contraceptives are excluded from the definition of abortion, impacting reproductive rights and healthcare clarity.
- Reproductive Freedom Act (HB0027)
- A comprehensive proposal focusing on reproductive healthcare and rights.
3. Emerging Legislative Opportunities
- Rep. Caleb Hemmer: Inquiring about sponsorship for the “Eliminate the Salary History Question” bill in the 2025 session (response pending).
- Rep. Afytyn Behn’s House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5): Supports amending the state constitution to prohibit denying rights on the basis of sex.
4. Collaboration with Advocacy Groups
- League of Women Voters Tennessee (LWV TN):
- Leverage their paid lobbyist and established relationships to address shared issues, including voting rights and gender equity legislation.
5. Advocacy and Engagement Goals
- Influence the decision-making process through informed advocacy, education, and collaboration with legislators and community members.
- Strengthen member engagement and participation in public policy activities.
AAUW TN Public Policy Mission
AAUW Tennessee Public Policy Mission
To advance equity for women and girls in Tennessee through informed advocacy, education, and action. We champion policies that promote economic security, pay equity, educational opportunities, and social justice while combating discrimination and systemic barriers. Central to our mission is the pursuit of legislative solutions, such as our “Eliminate the Salary History Question” bill, which aims to remove salary history inquiries from job applications and ensure fair compensation practices. Through collective action, we strive to empower individuals and communities to create a more equitable society where all women and girls can thrive.
To advance equity for women and girls in Tennessee through informed advocacy, education, and action. We champion policies that promote economic security, pay equity, educational opportunities, and social justice while combating discrimination and systemic barriers. Central to our mission is the pursuit of legislative solutions, such as our “Eliminate the Salary History Question” bill, which aims to remove salary history inquiries from job applications and ensure fair compensation practices. Through collective action, we strive to empower individuals and communities to create a more equitable society where all women and girls can thrive.