Rep. Sewell Recognizes 3rd Anniversary of Ledbetter Act

By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter 

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell released a statement to the press remembering the third anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

In her statement Sewell said, “Today we celebrate the sacrifice and hard work of Alabama’s own Lilly Ledbetter, a humble activist, for courageously fighting to ensure that our daughters and granddaughters are equally paid for the work they do regardless of race, age or gender.”

Rep. Sewell continued, “The protections enacted by the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will strengthen American families— because equal pay for equal work is not simply an issue for women; it’s a family issue,” said Rep. Sewell.  “However, we must not forget that the journey to securing equality for our nation’s women is far from over. We must act now to build on Lilly Ledbetter’s work, fight discrimination anywhere it exists and put an end to this and all injustices in America.”

Rep. Sewell said, “In this difficult economy, when so many Americans are already working harder for less and struggling to get by to pay their mortgage, pay for their medications or to simply put food on the table for their children, the last thing they can afford is losing part of their paycheck to blatant discrimination.” “We must continue to do more to level the playing field and restore fundamental fairness to all American workers.”

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was signed by President Obama in 2009, makes it easier for people to sue their employers for alleged wage discrination in court.

According to information, from the National Women’s Law Center and 2009 Census data, released in Rep. Sewell’s statement, the average woman makes 78 cents for every dollar earned by men.  The average Black woman makes 62 cents for every dollar earned by white men.  Hispanic women earn 53 cents for every dollar earned by white men.

Lilly M. Ledbetter from Jacksonville, Al is a former worker at Goodyear’s Gadsden, Al plant who sued Goodyear over alleged gender pay discrimination.  She ultimately lost her lawsuit, but 2009 legislation was named in her honor.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell represents the Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District, which includes Birmingham, Demopolis, Eutaw, and Selma.  This is Sewell’s first term.  She is unopposed in the Democratic Party Primary; but will face Republican opposition in the General Election on November 6^th.

To read the statement itself:

http://sewell.house.gov/press-release/rep-terri-sewell-recognizes-third-anniversary-lilly-ledbetter-fair-pay-act