To the editor:

April 12, 2016, is Equal Pay Day for women. This is when a woman’s pay catches up to a man’s. Did you know there is a pay gap problem in Ohio and the nation? Women nationally earn about 79 percent of what men earn. In Ohio, it is slightly less at 78 percent. Data from the American Community Survey (2014) show the median annual earnings for men were $47,737 and $37,140 for women. The pay gaps are worse for women of color.

Is this the future we want for our mothers, daughters and wives — shortchanged? How can it be improved? Education is one pathway. It is essential that girls (and boys) get high school diplomas. Vocational training or post-secondary is valuable in today’s job market. Employers need to do their part also and pay a fair and equal wage. So should our legislators. The Paycheck Fairness Act would improve the scope of the Equal Pay Act, but it hasn’t been updated since 1963. It is time to tell Congress to take action for equal pay. Pass the Paycheck Fairness Act — now!

The American Association of University Women — AAUW — is a leading voice in the fight for gender pay-equity. Additional information may be found on their webpage, aauw.org. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Elaine Nishwitz

President

Sidney-Shelby County AAUW