Letter: Legislative vote against women
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On May 21, 59 members of the Louisiana House of Representatives voted that it was OK for their daughters, sisters, wives and mothers to be paid less than their male counterparts. Twelve representatives didn’t cast a vote on the issue at all.
The problem is real. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Association of University Women research finds that for the college-educated, year-round work force, Louisiana women working full time make just 65 percent of what their male counterparts earn, which represents the largest pay gap in the nation!
People who are paid less than they deserve cannot adequately support their families or rise out of poverty. After retirement, their pensions, Social Security benefits and other retirement funds are lower, a cause of poverty among the elderly. The proposed Louisiana Equal Pay Act (House Bill 705) would not prohibit the payment of different wage rates to employees where such payment is made due to seniority, merit, quantity of production and other reasonable factors. The main objection from business interests was a fear of excessive lawsuits. The law was worded to prevent that. Reputable businesses would not want to expand or locate in a state where wage discrimination is practiced. Responsible employers are not worried about pay equity laws!
Many thanks to Rep. Barbara Norton, sponsor of HB 705, and the other 32 representatives who voted to support the women of Louisiana.
Anne K. Taylor, state president
AAUW of Louisiana
Baton Rouge
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