Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on Paycheck Fairness Act

Statement

Governor Martin O'Malley today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to consider the Paycheck Fairness Act:

"It's unfortunate that some members of the U.S. Senate have chosen politics over our people -- preventing America from moving forward, growing jobs, opportunity, and hope for a prosperous future.

"Over the last few decades, women's contribution to family finances has become increasingly important. In Maryland, women contribute nearly half to the family's income. Yet at the same time, women make 14.6 percent less than a man performing the same job -- a statistic that reflects a similar disparity in many states across the nation. It's unfair and contrary to the foundations of our country that these members would block legislation that would give workers stronger tools to combat wage discrimination, prevent retaliation for discussing salary information, and help ensure more adequate compensation for victims of gender-based pay discrimination.

"I applaud Senator Barbara Mikulski for reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act. I commend the leaders in Congress who actually want to move America forward, protect our people, and make investments in our future."

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