“Members of Congress today reintroduced a bill that would advance fair pay for America’s women, just a day after lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle acknowledged the gender-based wage gap during the budget debate. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act is a common sense step that would help women and families by advancing fair pay, because it would combat the wage discrimination that has plagued our nation for decades. The majority of voters support the bill, and it is long past time for Congress to make its passage a priority.

America’s women are paid, on average, more than $10,800 less than men annually due to the wage gap — a gap that exists from coast to coast. That loss is significantly worse for women of color. African American women who work full time, year round are paid between $14,000 and $30,000 less than white men each year in the 20 states in which the majority work. For Latinas, the loss is between $19,700 and $40,600 annually. This is critical income that could go toward basic necessities, and the consequences for families and our economy are significant.

The Paycheck Fairness Act is a reasonable and comprehensive bill that would address the wage discrimination that contributes to these punishing wage gaps. The bill would prohibit employers from retaliating against workers for discussing their wages, recognize employers with good pay practices, and provide assistance to small businesses that need help adopting such practices. It would also create a negotiation skills training program and enhance federal agencies’ ability to investigate and enforce pay discrimination laws.

The National Partnership commends Senator Mikulski (D – Md.) and Representative DeLauro (D – Conn.) for their tireless leadership in championing this bill and for being such powerful voices for women and families. The wage gap is persistent and shows no signs of closing without new laws like the Paycheck Fairness Act. All members of Congress should recognize this reality and step up to advance the fair and family friendly workplace policies the country urgently needs.”