For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Erica Daughtrey

April 15, 2010                                                             (201) 222-2828

Washington, D.C.-- Today, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a 501(c)(3) organization with more than 100,000 bipartisan members, released their scoring of Members of Congress on votes and co-sponsorship of the organization's priority legislation. 

“I am proud to be 1 of just 36 Members of Congress who has demonstrated full support of gender equity issues,” said Congressman Sires.  “I recognize the importance of prioritizing women’s issues and the 111^th Congress started off well with President Obama signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.”

AAUW was founded in 1881 and their mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.  Priorities of the AAUW include civil rights, economic security, and work-life balance.  AAUW members have a distinguished history of providing assistance through awards, fellowships and grants to advance opportunities for women in the United States and around the world.  AAUW scores Members of Congress on both their voting record and co-sponsorship record of legislation of importance.

“Despite the many advancements that women have made, the average woman only earns 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man,” said Sires.  “This is an unacceptable statistic and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that women are treated fairly and equitably.”

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