CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT RECOGNIZING EQUAL PAY DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in recognition of Equal Pay Day. On June 10, 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, which established the principle of equal pay for equal work for women in the workforce.

"Equal Pay Day acknowledges that much work remains in our efforts to ensure gender equality, and today is an opportunity to bring awareness to the national pay gap that affects women across the country," said Rep. Espaillat.

"Women working full-time, year-round still earn on average 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. Among women across all races and ethnicities, the hourly earnings still fall behind those of men, and the pay disparity is far greater among women of color. African American women on average earn only 63 cents and Latina women on average earn only 54 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. This is unacceptable, and unequal pay for equal work is morally and mathematically wrong.

"Pay inequality is not only a women's issue, but a family issue. To my male colleagues, I ask: in 2017, do you not believe in strong women? In 2017, do you not believe in equality? In 2017, do you not believe that your mother and your daughter deserve to have their work equally compensated?

"And finally, Latinas are by far the lowest paid workers. Last year, they earned 55 cents, and this year its 54 cents. If we don't step up, it will be another penny next year, another penny the following year, and yet another penny. As the proud descendent of Latina women, I stand strongly in support of Equal Pay, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same, because the fight for gender economic equality promotes greater social justice, equal opportunities, guarantees equal pay for equal work, and makes our economy stronger for all."

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Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov