Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement Recognizing Latina Equal Pay Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in support of Latina Equal Pay Day:

“Latinas have made significant progress in every sector of our nation’s workforce while contributing to the diversity and innovation of hospitality, health care, education, child care, retail industries and many more," said Rep. Espaillat.

"Over the past decade, Latinas have entered the workforce in record numbers and although progress has been made, they continue to face significant wage disparities which dramatically impact their lives daily.

"In 2020, the median annual pay for a Latina working full-time was slightly over $38,000 placing a working mother of two near poverty. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinas were one of the hardest hit communities with many forced to quit their jobs to care for their children and families. Now, as we consider pathways to rebuild our economy, we must ensure that women – especially women of color – are at the forefront in our fight to fully rebuild from this pandemic.

"Latinas are typically paid 57 cents for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts and have to work nearly 22 months to earn what men make in 12 months – this is simply unacceptable and much work remains in our efforts to ensure equal pay and equal representation.

“This Latina Equal Pay Day, I am proud to cosponsor legislation to reaffirm my commitment to addressing gender and racial wage disparities to achieve a more equitable and inclusive nation and ensure that Latinas are not left behind as we work to build back better, and get our nation back on track."

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