Paycheck Fairness Act passes the House!

Great news! For an idea of just how important this legislation is, watch Rep. Barbara Lee:

“The wage gap is most severe for women of color. It’s absolutely inexcusable that women, and especially minority women earn a fraction of what men earn from the same job. African-American women earn just 63 cents on the dollar and Latinas earn far worse at 57 cents… The wide disparity begins at the start of a woman’s work life and grows wider as women age. In the long-term, combined with the decrease in pension income and social security benefits, which is what happens, many women are at risk of falling into poverty as they get older because this disparity began when they first started working. H.R. 1338 takes immediate steps to close the wage gap for all women by amending and strengthening the Equal Pay Act…”

Bush is sure to veto. But let’s savor this little victory.

Related:
Ask your senator to vote for fair pay
Blog for Fair Pay Day: Ask for it!
John McCain supports wage discrimination
Obama on women and work
Women college grads earn less than men
WaPo: Wage gap is “A Bargain At 77 Cents To a Dollar”