[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EQUAL PAY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition 
of working women across America and in support of the Paycheck Fairness 
Act.
  Every April, supporters of equal pay mark our progress on this issue 
by noting the time of year in which women's wages ``catch up'' to the 
wages paid to men from the previous year. Although we have made great 
strides in women's equality, women still earn $.76 for each dollar that 
men earn. In my home state of Minnesota, that number is $.72. In real 
terms, this means that women and their families are being shortchanged 
thousands of dollars a year.
  Minnesota women have the highest labor force participation in the 
nation and educational attainment continues to grow. With this 
remarkable increase in women's participation in the economy, more and 
more families are reliant on women's paychecks to make ends meet. If we 
are serious about ensuring fairness for all, about leaving no child 
behind, and about helping families achieve financial stability now and 
in the future, then Congress must act to address this significant wage 
gap.
  For this reason, I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Paycheck 
Fairness Act. This bill will take concrete steps to eliminate gender-
based wage discrimination. It will provide for enhanced outreach and 
training programs for employers, allow employees to share salary 
information, and give women the opportunity to sue for punitive damages 
under the Equal Pay Act. It is my hope that the Administration and the 
Republican leadership will make a serious effort to address this 
discrimination this Congress.
  Along with wage disparity, we must continue to focus on issues of 
work place safety, equal treatment, and career advancement. As a woman, 
a mother, and a Member of Congress, I will continue to fight for equal 
pay, quality health care, safe work environments, and education 
opportunities for girls and women to ensure that they can pursue the 
American dream.

                          ____________________