Today is Equal Pay Day, a day that serves as a reminder of the persistent gender pay gap in the United States. March 12, represents how far into the following year the average woman would need to work to earn the same amount of money her male counterparts work in the same role. That date goes even deeper into the calendar year for women of color.

On average, Black women earn only 63 cents, Indigenous women only 57 cents, and Hispanic women just 55 cents for every dollar earned by white men. This intersectionality compounds the economic disparities faced by marginalized communities, exacerbating systemic inequities.

Pay inequality is perpetuated by various factors, including gender bias in hiring and promotion, occupational segregation, and lack of transparency in salary negotiations. Women, on average, earn just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, with the gap even wider for certain groups.

The solution is simple: equal pay for equal work.

How do we get there? By raising awareness, advocating for policies like pay transparency and anti-discrimination measures, and supporting initiatives that promote equal pay, and hold employers accountable to ensure fair compensation — regardless of gender identity.

In Congress, I have cosponsored several pieces of legislation seeking to establish equal pay for equal work, including legislation that would:

• Raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and tie future increases to the median hourly wage;
• Ensure people are paid based on their skills and experience, not their gender;
• Allow lower-wage workers to request for flexibility of their schedules without retaliation; and
• Help end discrimination against pregnant women and parents in the workplace.

Together, we can create a more equitable future for all.

Rick