Dear Editor:

Tuesday, April 19 marks Equal Pay Day – a national day that highlights the persistent wage disparity for women and people of color in the United States. It is also day’s after we file our Federal Income Taxes. I am paying equal taxes -- yet still not getting equal pay!

Nationally, the U.S. Census Bureau reports for 2004 that the average woman earns just 76 cents for every dollar earned by the average man -- and the situation is even worse for women and men of color. African American women make 66 cents on the dollar, while Hispanic women make only 55 cents. That's $24 less to spend on groceries, housing, child care and other expenses for every $100 worth of work we do.

As an American taxpayer and full-time wage earner, I deserve better. At a time when American women are meeting all the responsibilities of citizenship, I believe our country can do better.

That's why I'm supporting Equal Pay legislation. The Paycheck Fairness Act would protect those who have been denied equal pay for equal work by strengthening the penalties courts may impose for equal pay violations. The Fair Pay Act would prevent wage discrimination based on race and sex.

Equal pay can make a difference in every family budget. This year, let's work to ensure that all Americans get the respect that comes with a fair paycheck.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME
CITY, STATE