Stabenow Statement Following Paycheck Fairness Vote
Measure Would Help Ensure Equal Pay for Equal Work
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement regarding the Paycheck Fairness Act after it was blocked by filibuster from receiving an up or down vote:
"Everyone in our great country should have the confidence that they will be paid fairly for a hard day's work. Whether you're a two-parent income family or a single mom, equal pay for equal work can mean the difference in paying the mortgage, a college fund for your children, or filling up the gas tank. It's unfortunate that Republicans chose to block this common-sense bill from even getting an up or down vote."
Women in Michigan earn 74 cents for every dollar paid to men, and over their lifetime will earn $508,000 less than their male counterparts. More than one million Michigan children live in households that are dependent on their mothers' earnings.
The Paycheck Fairness Act, which Stabenow co-sponsored, would address the gender pay gap by ensuring women have the ability to challenge pay discrimination. A Republican filibuster required 60 votes to end debate and proceed to an up-or-down majority to pass the bill. Although the majority of senators voted for Paycheck Fairness, the bill fell short of the 60-vote threshold, 52-47.
Senator Stabenow was also a co-sponsor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was signed into law in 2009, and provides women with the right to challenge discriminatory pay practices by employers in court.
