Rep. Vargas Calls for Enactment of Paycheck Fairness Act on 50th Anniversary of Equal Pay Act
Chula Vista, CA (June 10, 2013) –Today, on the 50th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) urges Congress to address the still existing pay gap between men and women by advocating for the Paycheck Fairness Act.
"In my district, on average, women working full-time make 85 cents for every dollar earned by men, or approximately $6,145 less a year. Sadly, minority women make even less, earning only 55 to 64 cents per dollar,” said Rep. Vargas. “This unjust gap in earnings is why I am a proud cosponsor and strong advocate of the Paycheck Fairness Act.”
The Paycheck Fairness Act, being sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro and cosponsored by Rep. Vargas, would update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act, while also closing loopholes and giving women tools with which to fight for equal pay. The Paycheck Fairness Act would provide effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work and protect employees from retaliation for sharing salary information with their co-workers.
“As families more heavily rely on women’s wages to make ends meet, we cannot continue allowing the hard-working women of our country to earn lower wages simply because of their gender. When women earn less money, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to provide their families with basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care,” said Rep. Vargas. “I will continue to fight for true equal pay for women and will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move the Paycheck Fairness Act forward.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.