Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) cosponsored the House resolution “Recognizing Latina Equal Pay Day.”  The resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), and it highlights the need to recognize and address the stark disparity in wages paid to Latinas in comparison to white, non-Hispanic men.  After the resolution was introduced, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard issued the following statement:

“Today marks Latina Equal Pay Day, the day that the average pay for Latinas finally catches up to what white, non-Hispanic men made last year.  The Recognizing Latina Equal Pay Day resolution highlights the fact that Latinas earn only 55 cents to the dollar compared to their white, male colleagues, and that it takes them almost eleven additional months on average to earn the same amount their male colleagues earn in one year.  Because Latina Equal Pay Day occurs after other Equal Pay Days, including that for all women in March, African-American women in August, and Native American women earlier in October, Latinas continue to endure an even greater disparity in the wage gap than any other group in the nation.  It is simply unacceptable that hardworking Latinas in the 40th District and nationwide are subjected to this unfair and unjust pay disparity.  

“The Coronavirus continues to hit our minority communities the hardest and take its toll on our economy.  This further illustrates this unjustifiable wage gap as Latinas work hard to provide for their families as health care workers, childcare providers, and in risky service jobs as well as in other professions across our economy.  While House Democrats have made progress to address this worsening issue through our passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Senate has refused to even consider the bill.  It’s essential that the Senate join us on this legislation to ensure that our wives, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers are not discriminated against in the workplace and are able to access equal pay for equal work.  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to fulfill our nation’s promise of fairness, equality, and justice for all.”

The text of the resolution can be found HERE.

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