Polis' Pay Equity Legislation Passes House

Press Release

Polis' Pay Equity Legislation Passes House

Two bills cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (CO-2) that give workers the tools they need to challenge pay discrimination passed the House today: the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act by a vote of 247-171, and the Paycheck Fairness Act by a vote of 256-163.

"Equality before the law is one of the most basic tenets of American society articulated in our constitution," said Polis. "Sadly, millions of Americans are denied employment and discriminated against because of their gender. That's why I cosponsored these antidiscrimination laws which promote economic opportunity under the law for all Americans."

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R. 11) would overturn the Supreme Court's 2007 decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., which made it virtually impossible for women and others subject to pay discrimination to go to court to vindicate their rights. H.R. 11 would restore the long-standing interpretation of civil rights laws to allow employees to file pay discrimination claims within 180 days of each discriminatory paycheck they receive.

The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 12) would deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and barring retaliation against workers who disclose their wages. American women continue to be paid, on average, only 78 cents for every dollar paid to men. H.R. 12 would strengthen the Equal Pay Act to ensure that it provides effective protection against sex-based pay discrimination. It would also allow women to receive the same remedies for sex-based pay discrimination that are currently available to those subject to discrimination based on race and national origin.

"This is not only about women's right or workers' rights—it is about human rights and human dignity," said Polis. "Discrimination is unacceptable. As we struggle to rebuild our economy, these bills will help ensure that hard-working Americans receive equal pay for their equal work and can support their families and local economies."

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