Archive for Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Letters: Pass Paycheck Fairness Act

April 13, 2011

To the editor:

According to the latest U.S. Census statistics, on average, full-time working women earned 77 cents to every dollar earned by men. It’s hard to believe that in 2011, when women make up half of the workforce, they earn 23 percent less than their male counterparts.

Over a lifetime, this loss of earnings adds up. On average, women lose out on $9,575 per year and $434,000 in a lifetime due to the wage gap. In a bad economy, I am extremely concerned about pay inequity, not only for myself, but also for my family.

An important way to address pay inequity is through federal legislation. The Paycheck Fairness Act will strengthen the Equal Pay Act by closing loopholes and strengthening penalties to guarantee that women workers are not short-changed solely because of their gender.

We must see this bill passed in the current Congress. Please join hundreds of working women advocates across the county to educate women and men about pay inequity and demand passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Jeannine Gallagher

Bonner Springs Business and Professional Women

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