Nationally, Women Earn Significantly Less Than Men for the Same Work-Ranges as High as 30% in Some States

In All but One State, Wage Disparity is in Double Digits; Places a Heavy Burden on Women Who Are Their Families' Primary Wage Earners

Paycheck Fairness Act Set To Receive Key Vote in Senate Tomorrow

Washington, DC -- The Democratic Policy and Communications Center (DPCC) today released new state-by-state reports detailing the drastic wage gap women in every state experience in the workplace.  The report shows that in nearly half of all states, women earn over one-fifth less than their male counterparts.  In some states, that figure is as high as one-third. 

The report highlights the devastating ramifications for middle-class American families.  On average, women's share of family income is 42.1%-eliminating the wage gap, therefore, provides a much-needed boost to household earnings throughout the country.  For families in which women are the primary wage earners, the gap creates a heavy burden: Nearly 40% of married employed mothers are their families primary provider. In families headed by single mothers or families in which the husband cannot work due to a disability, children ultimately lose out simply because they rely on their mothers' incomes for financial support.  

State-by-state fact sheets can be found here. 

Report Highlights:

• Nationally, women earn significantly less than what their male counterparts do, with that gap ranging as high as 30% in some states.
• In every state except for California, the wage gap is in double digits. 
• 38% of married employed mothers are their families' primary provider, meaning the pay gap jeopardizes the children who rely on them for support. 

The Paycheck Fairness Act, introduced by Senator Mikulski (D-MD), would provide women with the tools to close this pernicious, long-standing gap.  The Senate is set to vote on cloture for the legislation tomorrow.  The Senate previously voted on the Paycheck Fairness Act on November 17^th, 2010.