New Data Reinforces Need for Congress to Pass Paycheck Fairness Act
DeLauro Responds to American Association ofUniversity Women Report
WASHINGTON,DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement todayresponding to a new American Association of University Women (AAUW) reportdetailing the gender-based wage gap by state. Connecticut came in at 25thout of 50 states, with women making just 78 cents for every dollar made by aman.
"Today'sAAUW report is yet more evidence that the pay gap is real and undeniable, not adistraction, or a product of women's choices. This is not just a women'sissue—the pay gap affects everyone when a woman's diminished paycheck inhibitstheir ability to put food on the table or gas in their car. And withwomen living longer than men, discriminatory pay practices mean our seniorswill continue to struggle, increasing the burden on both their families andtaxpayers.
"Congressneeds to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to relieve the financial pressureswomen face in all stages of their careers. Republicans do Americanfamilies a great disservice by blocking the legislation, burying their heads inthe sand, and claiming it is a myth. Our mothers, our sisters, and ourdaughters deserve better."
DeLaurois the original author of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which she firstintroduced in 1997, and has reintroduced in every Congress since. The lawwould put real teeth into the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to ensure womenreceive equal pay for equal work. The Paycheck Fairness Act wouldput an end to pay secrecy, strengthen workers' ability to challengediscrimination and bring equal pay law into line with other civil rightslaws. President Obama has said he would sign the legislation should itcome to his desk.