Lujan Grisham, CHC on the 5th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and CHC Members released the following statements on the fifth anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a critical law championing the principle of equal pay for women:

"Five years ago today, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, critical legislation ensuring women can fight against pay discrimination in court. But with women making only 77 cents for every dollar men earn -- and Hispanic women making even less -- it's clear that we must do more to empower women in the workplace. That means passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. That means enhancing the Family and Medical Leave Act to include paid sick leave. And that means expanding access to child care for working families. At a time when women serve as the sole or co-breadwinner in two-thirds of American families, equal pay for equal work shouldn't be just a suggestion; it should be the law of the land," said CHC Whip Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01).

"Women deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do. When we talk about women, these are our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters who are the backbone of our economy and who make up nearly half of our labor force. As a father, I want my daughters to earn more than the 77 cents women currently make. Women in our country deserve better and on this anniversary, let us stand up and help them succeed," said CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15).

"Five years ago today, President Obama signed his first bill into law. With the stroke of a pen, he and the Democratic Congress that sent him the legislation sent a powerful message that we will fight for fairness in the workplace and an agenda that supports women and their families. We still have work to do to ensure equal pay for equal work, but we remain committed to this effort and will continue our call for fair and just treatment for all," said CHC First Vice Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-03).

"There are turning points on the road to justice and equality in America. Passing the Lilly Ledbetter Act was a significant one. But passing legislation is only one part of the fight for equal pay and equal rights and we all have a responsibility to make sure the economic growth that enriches so many Americans is also lifting up the middle-class, the working-class, and our whole society, regardless of gender, orientation, or ethnicity," said CHC Immigration Task Force Chair Luis Gutierrez (IL-04).

"I was pleased to join Lilly Ledbetter, Leader Pelosi and colleagues at today's Steering and Policy Committee hearing on equal pay. As the President said in his State of the Union address, 'When women succeed, America succeeds.' The way to ensure women will succeed is by raising the minimum wage and guaranteeing equal pay for equal work. This is a particularly important issue for minority and immigrant women, who are paid even more disproportionately than white women," said CHC Health Task Force Chair Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40).

"The law that bears Lilly Ledbetter's name means my two daughters have the chance to compete in the workplace just like their brothers, receiving the same reward for the same job well done. We cannot be a nation which fails to pay the same wage, for the same quality of work, in the same job to a certain group of our citizens, based strictly on their gender. That is unacceptable for a nation based on equality, that prides itself on giving every American an equal opportunity," said CHC Financial Services, Manufacturing and Commerce Task Force Chair Tony Cárdenas (CA-29).