Representative Sutton Calls for Closing the Wage Gap on the Eve of Equal Pay Day

Representative Sutton Calls for Closing the Wage Gap on the Eve of Equal Pay Day

As the country recognizes Equal Pay Day on Tuesday, April 28, Congresswoman Sutton (D-OH) calls on all Americans to work together to achieve equal pay for equal work.

Although 46 years have passed since President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, there is still not equal pay for equal work. In 1963, when the Equal Pay Act was signed, women who worked full-time made 59 cents on average for every dollar men earned. In 2007, women's pay climbed to 78 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Rep. Sutton released the following statement:

"Statistics suggest that the wage gap has narrowed by less than half a cent per year, and that is not what I consider progress. Discrimination continues to hurt American families. Women are not the only ones affected. The wage gap hurts everyone - husbands, wives, children and parents. The wage gap lowers family income that pays for essential like groceries and mortgage payments. When women are paid fairly, an entire family benefits. It's crucial that we recognize this is a family issue, which is all the more pressing as we fight our way out of the recession.

"I am pleased that the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restores the rights of women to challenge unfair pay, was the first order of business for the new Congress. This became the first major bill signed into law by President Obama a week after he was inaugurated. This is a major victory for American women, and it is the start of a new direction in pay equity.

"On this Equal Pay Day 2009, we must vow to strengthen the American family by ensuring fairness in the workplace. I will continue to work with my colleagues on legislation that guarantees equal pay and equal opportunities."

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