[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EQUAL PAY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today is equal pay day. We should recognize 
women and pay them equally. They are our grandmothers, mothers, wives, 
colleagues, teachers, caregivers, citizens and leaders.
  Women's role in the home and work place is critical. That's why I am 
pleased to co-sponsor H.R. 541, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and H.R. 
1271, the Fair Pay Act. And I am pleased to sponsor the 8th annual 
women's event on August 4th at Cal Sate University San Bernardino.
  Many working women lack the basic benefits they need to care for 
their families. So we have kids with illnesses going to school; kids 
who have not eaten breakfast; and kids hanging out on the street 
because their mothers work two or three jobs.
  We need laws to improve child care and after-school care. On the job, 
working women are looking for higher pay, better benefits and most of 
all the ``3-R's'': respect, recognition and reward for a job well done. 
Working women want a stronger voice--not only in decisions on the job 
but in the policy making area.
  Women deserve our support.

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