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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 8th,
2005 Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w)
212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 State
Senator Liz Krueger Praises Celebration of Women’s
History Month; Pushes for Passage of “Equal Pay for Equal Work” Legislation New York, NY – State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) is reminding New Yorkers that March is a chance to reflect and pay tribute to great women who have left their mark on American history. “Not only is this a great opportunity for us to celebrate all of the women who have influenced our country’s history, but it is also a chance for us to consider the strides that women have made in the last few decades,” stated Senator Krueger. “Despite the success of the women’s movement, there is still much work left to be done.” Senator Krueger has introduced S. 2260, a bill that would amend the Constitution to provide pay equity for all persons for work of comparable skill, effort and responsibility. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we must also continue to fight to eliminate remaining policies and practices that discriminate against women,” Krueger said. According to the National Organization for Women (NOW), a full-time working woman currently receives only 73 cents to every dollar received by a man. In 1963, the year of the Equal Pay Act's passage, full-time working women were paid 59 cents on average to the dollar received by men. In other words, for the last 37 years, the wage gap has only narrowed by slightly more than one third of a penny per year. “The stark inequity that still exists between men and women is appalling and must be addressed on the legislative level,” remarked Senator Krueger. In 1981 the United States Congress passed a resolution establishing Women’s History Week. Six years later, Congress expanded National Women’s History Week to include the entire month of March, making it a special time to reflect on the contributions made by remarkable women throughout history. The 2005 Women’s History Month’s theme is “Women Changing America.” This theme recognizes and honors the role of American women who have transformed history, politics and culture as leaders, scientists, educators, politicians and artists. “In New York State, women have played an especially significant role in shaping our history,” said Senator Krueger. From Emma Willard, who in 1821 opened the Troy Female Seminary where young women had the opportunity to take classes on par with men, to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1933 transformed the traditional charge of First Lady into a powerful role in political and governmental affairs, women have played key roles here in New York. Susan B. Anthony, a premier women’s rights activist who formed the National American Women Suffrage Association, also considered New York to be her home. “We are extremely lucky to have such a diverse and rich history to explore, based on the accomplishments of great women,” concluded Senator Krueger. “As a state legislator, I consider upholding the ideals and principles set forth by women before me as one of my most important goals.” -30- |
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