The Torah commands the newly liberated Israelites in the Book of Exodus to set up a new society, and this new society includes systems to ensure fairness and equity — a goal NCJW continues to work to attain. Yet despite passage of the landmark 1963 Equal Pay Act, women today earn only 83 cents for every dollar earned by men — and the gap is much wider for women of color, earning only 64 cents. 

The Paycheck Fairness Act, introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), would deter wage discrimination by updating and strengthening the Equal Pay Act. This critical legislation would provide tools and protections for women to dispute pay discrimination in the workplace, strengthen anti-retaliation protections, require better data reporting, and help facilitate legal recourse for victims of discrimination. With rising inflation and intense economic strain on families, passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act is critical to closing the wage gap and advancing economic justice. 

Read our talking points here.

The Paycheck Fairness Act would allow families to better afford rent, childcare, and food, securing a better economic future. Women, families, and our nation cannot afford to wait any longer for equal pay. Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor and support the Paycheck Fairness Act today.

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