WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today issued the following statement on Equal Pay Day. The day commemorates how far into the year a woman must work in order for her wages to equal those of a man in the previous year.
“In an economy as difficult as ours, the fundamental value of equal pay for equal work is more important than ever. This marks the first Equal Pay Day in eight years with a President and Labor Secretary who are committed to restoring fairness in the workplace – and the change is already evident. By signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law during his first days in office, President Obama has given women and other workers the ability to fairly challenge unlawful pay discrimination.
“In an economy as difficult as ours, the fundamental value of equal pay for equal work is more important than ever. This marks the first Equal Pay Day in eight years with a President and Labor Secretary who are committed to restoring fairness in the workplace – and the change is already evident. By signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law during his first days in office, President Obama has given women and other workers the ability to fairly challenge unlawful pay discrimination.
While this was a historic step forward in our fight for equal pay, it was just the beginning. I hope the Senate joins us in taking the next step to close the gender wage gap by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation that has won House approval that President Obama has made clear he supports. Ensuring basic fairness and respect for all workers is essential to strengthening our middle class and building a lasting economic recovery that benefits all Americans.”
In January, the House approved the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which President Obama signed during his first week in office. The House also passed Paycheck Fairness Act, which has yet to be considered by the Senate. President Obama urged Congress to send him the bill during the Ledbetter signing ceremony.
For more information on the Ledbetter Act, click here. For more information on the Paycheck Fairness Act, click here.
In January, the House approved the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which President Obama signed during his first week in office. The House also passed Paycheck Fairness Act, which has yet to be considered by the Senate. President Obama urged Congress to send him the bill during the Ledbetter signing ceremony.
For more information on the Ledbetter Act, click here. For more information on the Paycheck Fairness Act, click here.
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