Pay Equity Legislation Moves in Congress
House Passes Pay Equity Legislation, Senate Next

Last Friday, January 9th, the House passed the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (S.181) by a vote of 247-141 and the Paycheck Fairness Act (S.182) by a vote of 256-163. The Senate is expected to take up these bills this week. The YWCA strongly supports passage of both of these bills. Please call your senators and urge them to vote yes on these critical pieces of legislation and oppose any attempts to weaken them.

Action: Call the Capitol Switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your United States Senators. You will have to make two calls; one to each Senator. To find your Senators click here.

Message: “My name is ____________ and I am a constituent. I strongly urge the Senator to vote yes on the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, including cloture votes. I also urge him/her to vote against any attempts to weaken these bills. Thank you.”
Background: The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rights the wrongs done by the Supreme Court, regaining ground we've lost and ensuring that people who've been discriminated against can seek vindication.

The Paycheck Fairness Act would create stronger incentives for employers to follow the law as well as strengthen penalties for violations, strengthen federal outreach, education and enforcement, and prohibit retaliation against workers who ask about employers' wage practices.
Women tend to be hurt first and worst during economic downturns. Especially in these tough times, equal pay for equal work is a necessary step towards achieving economic security for all Americans. Together, the bills can help create a climate where pay discrimination is not tolerated, and give the new administration the enforcement tools it needs to make real progress on pay equity.

For more information about wage discrimination, please click here.