Press Release
AAUW Top Policy Adviser Available for Comment on Paycheck Fairness Act
Critical Bill Likely to be Voted on as Early As Next Week
WASHINGTON – AAUW's top public policy adviser Lisa Maatz is available to comment on the Paycheck Fairness Act, an important piece of legislation that is likely to be voted on by the Senate as early as next week. The bill, widely seen as one of the best tools to close the gender wage gap, was the subject of a Sept. 17 Washington Post op-ed written by Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser and assistant to President Obama for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement, and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls.
In the op-ed, Jarrett said:
"Today, too many struggling families are still waiting to feel the benefits of economic progress. That's why women's wages have perhaps never been more important. Women are the sole or co-breadwinners in two-thirds of American families. For them and their families, equal pay is not only a matter of principle; it's a matter of survival. It is for this reason that President Obama applauds the work of the House of Representatives and strongly supports passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act in the Senate. It is common-sense legislation that will give women the tools they need to obtain equal pay for equal work. The House passed this legislation 256 to 163 in January 2009. The bill is on the Senate calendar and should come up for a vote this month."
On Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau released figures that show that the wage gap remained unchanged last year. For every dollar men earn, women still make 77 cents, on average. AAUW has been leading the coalition to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would close loopholes, strengthen incentives to prevent pay discrimination, and bring the Equal Pay Act in line with other civil rights laws. It would also prohibit retaliation against workers who inquire about employers' wage practices or disclose their own wages.
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.