Perriello Statement in Recognition of Women's Equality Day

Statement

Congressman Tom Perriello released the following statement today in honor of Women's Equality Day, recognizing the enactment of the 19th amendment:

"90 years ago today, our nation took a great step forward in fulfilling its promise of equality to all its citizens. By guaranteeing women the right to vote, our nation finally ensured that their voices would be heard and that women would be equal partners in determining our collective destiny.

Though we have come a long way in the last 90 years to ensure equality for women, there is always more to be done. Wage discrimination is still far too prevalent, which is why one of my first votes in Congress was in support of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This codifies the simple and basic belief that equal work deserves equal pay; and it is an important step in eliminating our nation's shameful pay disparity where women receive 78-cents on the dollar compared to men.

Because of the health care reform we passed, being a woman will no longer be considered a "pre-existing condition" that leads to 48% higher premiums than men. Reform will also guarantee access to quality pre- and post-natal care to ensure healthier mothers and babies. And the aid package Congress' recently sent to states means that thousands of low income women and children in Virginia will have access to quality care they could not otherwise afford. This builds on another one of my early votes to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP.

Since the passage of the 19th amendment 90 years ago, we have consistently moved towards a fairer and more equal society where women have a voice in the policies that shape our country. I offer my utmost respect and humble thanks to the leaders of yesterday who helped deliver us to where we stand today, and pledge to honor their work by continuing the fight for equality."

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