[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             IT'S ONLY FAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today is Equal Pay Day, a day that 
symbolizes the financial struggles that women must endure because of 
the ever-present wage gap.
  In the workforce, women are at a clear disadvantage. They are paid 
less than their male counterparts for doing the same job. Women are 
paid on average 74 cents for every dollar men received of $148 less 
each week. Women of color are faced with an even worse prospect. 
African American women earn 64 cents for every dollar men earn or $210 
less each week. Hispanic women fare the worst. They earn only 54 cents 
for every dollar men earn.
  This pay inequity is hurting families in every part of our country. A 
working woman's family loses on average $4,000 each year due to this 
inequity. And in Illinois, the numbers are even worse. Women in my home 
state lose on average $4,913 a year.
  The inequity compounds over the years. A 25-year-old working woman 
will lose $523,000 during her lifetime as a result of this wage gap. 
And when she retires, she'll collect a smaller pension and less Social 
Security.
  There is no denying that a pay gap exists today. When comparing the 
wages of women and men who have the same job, qualifications, education 
and background, men win.
  As we begin the 21st Century, we must eliminate inequities in the 
workplace. We must do this for the sake of our next generation of women 
leaders. When my granddaughters Isabel and Eve are ready to enter the 
workforce, I want to make sure that they earn the same as their male 
counterparts. It is only fair.

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