President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law 48 years ago today, at a time when women did not have nearly the same professional opportunities as men. Our country has come a long way since, but inequality continues today. National Equal Pay Day is a reminder that there is more we can do to ensure that everyone in the workforce is paid fairly, on the merit of that work.
Among his first acts in office, President Obama enacted the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that protects female employees against pay discrimination. As White House Director of the Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes said:
Lilly’s story is all too common. Studies indicate that by the time a woman is 25, she is likely to have lost the opportunity to earn thousands of dollars, as compared to her male counterpart. That could be a substantial reduction in her student loans or savings to buy a home. If we can equalize pay, by the time a woman is 45, she could earn tens of thousands of dollars more; and by the time she is 65, she could earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more than she would in an unequal system. She would no longer have to choose between paying her rent or medical bills; she could invest in a home and better afford her children’s education.
President Obama continues to support efforts that reinforce America’s commitment to equal pay. During the 111th Congress, the President worked with Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would reward employers that treat all of their workers fairly. Unfortunately, the bill didn’t make it all the way to his desk.
Additionally, the President created the Equal Pay Task Force to ensure that employers and employees know their rights and that businesses comply with equal pay laws. He also established the White House Council on Women and Girls to address crucial issues affecting women throughout the country.
In honor of Equal Pay Day, DNC Interim Chair Donna Brazile released the following statement:
National Equal Pay Day is a reminder that we must redouble our commitment to the basic principle of equal pay for equal work. That’s a commitment President Obama has taken to heart. The first bill the President signed, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, follows in the Democratic tradition of fighting for equality and justice by allowing more individuals to challenge inequality in the workplace and receive the pay they deserve. The President has also created a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to promote compliance with equal pay laws and called on members of Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Still, the President recognizes that there is more work to be done. Despite decades of progress to break down barriers, American women still earn only about 77 cents for every dollar men earn, and that number is even worse for minority women and those with disabilities. Equal pay is an issue of fairness that affects more than just women; it hurts our families and our communities.
I am incredibly proud of the work that President Obama has done to advance the cause of equal pay for equal work, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Obama and Democrats as we keep up our fight to ensure women receive the compensation they’ve earned.