Wasserman Schultz Statement on Equal Pay Day

Washington, DC, April 8, 2014
Despite the leaps and bounds women have made in the American workforce over the last century, today they still work in a nation where on average women make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. This is unacceptable at a time when women make up half of the workforce and so many are the heads of their household. In my home state of Florida, eliminating the pay gap would earn a woman enough money to afford a year's worth of groceries.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today on National Equal Pay Day:
“Despite the leaps and bounds women have made in the American workforce over the last century, today they still work in a nation where on average women make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
“This is unacceptable at a time when women make up half of the workforce and so many are the heads of their household. In my home state of Florida, eliminating the pay gap would earn a woman enough money to afford a year’s worth of groceries.
“To significantly impact the economic inequality of women in America, Congress must move forward with a comprehensive legislative approach. First, we must immediately pass an extension of unemployment benefits, because the last thing women still struggling to find work need to be worrying about right now is losing their unemployment insurance. The Senate came together to pass a measure just last night, and I again call on Speaker Boehner to bring the bill to the House floor for an up or down vote without delay.
“With an eye toward the future, we must also pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to fight wage discrimination, the Fair Minimum Wage Act to provide all workers a living wage, and the FAMILY Act to extend paid family and medical leave for all women.
“Today, I’m looking forward to joining the President at the White House as he discusses the critical role women play in our economy. He will set an example for employers nationwide when he signs two executive orders for federal contractors that will help level the playing field in workplace compensation, underscoring that when women succeed, America succeeds.
“The battle for full pay equality continues, and as a representative of thousands of women and the mother of two young daughters, I will continue to be a tireless soldier in that endeavor.” 
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