DeGette Marks Equal Pay Day, Calls for Passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) called on her colleagues to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act as the country recognizes Equal Pay Day, which marks the day when, more than three months into the year, women’s wages finally catch up to what men were paid in the previous year. Last month, the Denver Post reported on a Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis that found women in Colorado on average earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, losing out on approximately $10,000 each year.

“This issue not only affects women, but it also affects the growing number of families that rely on two paychecks to make ends meet,” said Rep. DeGette. “Equal pay is a key component to securing prosperity for Colorado’s families and our economy, which is why we need to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and work to close this gap.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act strengthens the Equal Pay Act and closes pay loopholes, and it as provides accountability for blatant pay discrimination. In 2008 and 2009, the Democratic-led House passed the Paycheck Fairness Act, but it failed to pass in the Senate due to Republican opposition. In 2012, House and Senate Republicans once again blocked legislation in both chambers. The Senate will hold a vote to advance the Paycheck Fairness Act today, but yet again this vital legislation faces significant opposition.

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