PRAISES EFFORTS FOR FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

(Washington) – Today Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement on Equal Pay Day, marking the day when women's wages equal the wages men were paid the year before:

"Today, nearly 50 years after President Kennedy signed the original Equal Pay Act into law the wage gap persists in Connecticut and across the nation. While I am proud of the steps we have taken to address this inequality, today demonstrates the important work still left to do.

"Despite the strides made by the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act nationally and the work of the Connecticut Legislature since the passage of the Pay Equity Laws during my time as Senate President, this wage gap continues to negatively impact women, families, and our economy. I commend Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, the dean of our delegation, for standing up for women and families in our nation and praise her tireless efforts to create a fairer workplace. I look forward to working with her and other members as we continue to do all we can to close the wage gap."

Currently, women on average earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. Congressman Larson is a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, seeking to strengthen and close current loopholes in the Equal Pay Act.

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