May 21, 2009
Momentum Builds Around Fair Pay Bill In Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON – Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) announced today that they will take the lead on the fight to pass of S. 182, the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that gives employees the tools to fight illegal wage disparities. Senators Dodd and Mikulski made this announcement with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and other advocates at a press conference at the Senate Visitor’s Center.
At the beginning of this Congress, lawmakers in both chambers took quick action on the fair pay legislation. On January 9, 2009, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 256-163. Senator Hillary Clinton introduced S. 182 shortly before she was confirmed as Secretary of State.
The following can be attributed to Deborah J. Vagins, ACLU Legislative Counsel:
“Senators Dodd and Mikulski’s leadership on this bill demonstrates their strong commitment to fighting for equal pay for equal work. Women are often hit first and worst during economic downturns, and this bill acknowledges the importance and urgency of providing fair pay for women during this economic crisis.
“Over the years, loopholes and weak remedies have made existing laws, like the Equal Pay Act, less effective in combating the persistent and pernicious wage gap. The Paycheck Fairness Act is a balanced bill that acknowledges the business needs of employers while also giving employees the legal tools they need to challenge unlawful wage discrimination.”
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