Equal-pay proposal needs Kirk's vote

The Illinois State Public Affairs Committee of the National Council of Jewish Women asks citizens of Illinois to urge Senator-elect Mark Kirk to vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 3772), which will come before the U.S. Senate soon. This bill passed the U.S. House by a bipartisan vote of 256-163 in 2009.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women who work full time earn only 77 cents on average for every dollar men earn. Pay equity is more critical than ever in these troubling economic times because a large number of women are now the family breadwinners and equal pay for equal work is a critical component of any effort to stimulate our economy and to ensure self-sufficiency for women and their families.

This bill would ensure fair compensation for workers regardless of gender and close the pay gap for women, who have waited far too long for equal pay. Economic justice will be achieved only when our nation's laws ensure that everyone receives equal pay for equal work.

Carolee Caplan

Chairman

Illinois State Public Affairs Committee

National Council of Jewish Women