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Equal Pay Day

Date: April 21, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women


EQUAL PAY DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 21, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2005

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of working women across America and in support of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Every April, supporters of equal pay mark our progress on this issue by noting the time of year in which women's wages "catch up" to the wages paid to men from the previous year. Although we have made great strides in women's equality, women still earn $.76 for each dollar that men earn. In my home state of Minnesota, that number is $.72. In real terms, this means that women and their families are being shortchanged thousands of dollars a year.

Minnesota women have the highest labor force participation in the nation and educational attainment continues to grow. With this remarkable increase in women's participation in the economy, more and more families are reliant on women's paychecks to make ends meet. If we are serious about ensuring fairness for all, about leaving no child behind, and about helping families achieve financial stability now and in the future, then Congress must act to address this significant wage gap.

For this reason, I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act. This bill will take concrete steps to eliminate gender-based wage discrimination. It will provide for enhanced outreach and training programs for employers, allow employees to share salary information, and give women the opportunity to sue for punitive damages under the Equal Pay Act. It is my hope that the Administration and the Republican leadership will make a serious effort to address this discrimination this Congress.

Along with wage disparity, we must continue to focus on issues of work place safety, equal treatment, and career advancement. As a woman, a mother, and a Member of Congress, I will continue to fight for equal pay, quality health care, safe work environments, and education opportunities for girls and women to ensure that they can pursue the American dream.

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