Women Still Earn Less Than Men. A new study commissioned by Representatives Caroyln Maloney (D-NY) and John Dingell (D-MI) confirms that the pay gap is real, and that it has persisted for the past two decades. Women working full time today earn an average of 80 cents for every dollar that men earn, even when accounting for factors such as occupation, industry, marital status and job tenure.
The data also confirms that working mothers bear additional penalties: women with children earn 2.5% less than women without children. Working fathers are not penalized in the same way. In fact, men with children earn 2% more than men without children!
"The pay gap is real, it is persistent and it is costing hardworking families thousands of dollars annually," said Dingell. "This not just a women's issue -- it's a family issue." "If this continues, the only guarantees in life will be death, taxes and the glass ceiling. We can't let that happen," Maloney said.
Democrats are taking action: The Paycheck Fairness Act, introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-NY) would strengthen enforcement of the Equal Pay Act. Representatives Maloney and Dingell are working to establish a new Center for the Study of Women and Workplace Policy that would serve as a nationwide resource for employers, women and families.
Want to find out how much the pay gap will cost you over the course of your career? Visit the AFL-CIO's pay gap calculator, and prepare to be outraged!
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 26 through November 1, 2003, as Protection From Pornography Week. I call upon public officials, law enforcement officers, parents, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.