Right now, women make only 77 cents, on average, for every dollar their male counterparts earn, and the numbers are worse for women of color. Getting an education helps, but one year out of college, women still make less than men do — even when they have the same major and work in the same field! Fortunately, the Senate is considering the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would finally put teeth in the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

The Paycheck Fairness Act would deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and barring retaliation against workers who disclose their wages to co-workers. Without this bill, employers can penalize and even fire employees for just talking about their salaries, which leaves workers unaware that they may be victims of pay discrimination. 

A vote could come at any moment — so it’s urgent that you tell your senators to support fair pay by supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 797)!