Democratic Party of Wisconsin Statement on Equal Pay Day
"In 2016, it makes zero economic sense for women to make less than eighty-percent of what their male counterparts make. "
MADISON – The following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairwoman, Martha Laning, on National Equal Pay Day:
“Today we recognize National Equal Pay Day, which highlights the extra number of days women have to work to make the same amount as their male counterparts did the year before. Right now, Wisconsin women only earn 79 cents for every dollar men earn.
“In 2016, it makes zero economic sense for women to make less than eighty-percent of what their male counterparts make. Pay equity is a critical economic issue, the wage gap adds up to thousands of dollars each year that could be spent in our state’s economy on education, cars, homes, groceries, or paying the bills.
“Democrats have worked overtime to fight for equal pay for equal work. I am proud that our Wisconsin Democrats, both at the state and federal level, have pushed legislation to close the wage gap. They understand that women should not be punished for their gender, and if we want to boost our economy we must have equal pay for equal work.
“What we have seen from Wisconsin Republicans is shameful. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled legislature not only repealed the Equal Pay Enforcement Act, the Governor has characterized the issue of pay equity as a “bogus issue”.
“If we want to be a fair society and boost our economy we must level the pay gap between men and women. Democrats will continue to push legislation that addresses this issue. Just as important, Republicans most stop scapegoating for calling out their employers when they aren’t receiving equal pay for equal work. In the year 2016 your gender should not determine your paycheck.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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