Bustos calls for paycheck fairness on anniversary of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the 6th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) called on Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to help close the still persistent wage gap between men and women. In Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, women make only 73 cents on the dollar compared to men for doing the same work, even worse than the national average of 78 cents on the dollar. Video of Bustos talking about the wage gap can be found HERE.

“Equal pay for equal work isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s an issue that affects all working families,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “When women in my region make only 73 cents on the dollar compared to men, their families have less to spend on groceries, gas, and other essentials, not to mention saving for college and retirement. Equal pay for equal work is good for women, good for their families and good for our economy. It is time for Congress to act and make it a reality for working families across the country.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act, which Bustos helped introduce last Congress, would help ensure employers pay equal salaries for equal work done by men and women. It would strengthen the Equal Pay Act by, among other measures, prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees who file complaints or discuss wage issues with other employees.

Bustos is a strong advocate for working women and families. In addition to advocating for equal pay for equal work, Bustos authored a report last year on the state of working women in Northwestern and Central Illinois. She is also a strong supporter of quality and affordable childcare, making the minimum wage a livable wage and ensuring employees have the ability to take paid sick days. These are all issues that disproportionately impact working women.