Karen Bass Co-Sponsors the Paycheck Fairness Act

Introduced Tuesday on National Equal Pay Day

Washington, DC--U.S. Rep. Karen Bass released the video statement below after signing on as an original co-sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act that was introduced today by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro. "Women across America continue to experience discrimination in the form of pay inequity every day. Today, women in the United States earn only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns. And on National Equal Pay Day, we call attention to the importance of this issue to all Americans.

"Wage discrimination has a tangible and negative impact on women and families. When women receive less than their deserved compensation, they take home less for themselves and their loved ones. Utilities and groceries are more difficult to afford. Mortgages and rent bills are harder to pay. Children's higher education is less financially feasible. In later years of life, the retirement that many women have worked so hard for--and have earned--is not possible. This problem is particularly dire for women who are single and the sole supporters of their families. Women should not and need not endure these consequences. "If we wish to honor our Nation's highest ideals of equality, we must end wage discrimination. That's why I've co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act--a bill to strengthen enforcement of prohibitions against discrimination and increase penalties for infractions. Thank you very much."

Karen Bass represents the 33rd congressional district, which includes Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Culver City and was the 67th Speaker of the California Assembly.

• < Prev in Op Ed
• Next in Op Ed >