Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced she will be joining women and men across the country in observance of Equal Pay Day. The occasion stands to raise awareness of the pay disparity women in the workforce endure when compared to their male counterparts as well as initiate discourse on the effects the gender wage gap has on women, their families and our economy.

“The notion that two people, with the same skill set, undertaking the same work are compensated differently because of their gender is not only disconcerting but outright deplorable,” Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre said. “There is no reason why, in 2015, women should continue to make an average of 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, with minority woman earning even less. Equal pay for equal work is long overdue, and I remain committed to fighting for true pay equality so we can put an end to the gender wage gap once and for all.”

Equal Pay Day is observed on April 14, which is the date that marks the additional time into another year women must work in order to earn the same amount of money their male counterparts made during the previous year. Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre supports several pieces of legislation aimed at eliminating gender wage disparities in New York State (A.437, A.1574, A.3523, A.6075) and is calling on the governor and state Senate to support them as well.

“Recognizing Equal Pay Day helps bring attention to the issue of gender inequality in our society, which will help move us toward fundamental equality for all,” added Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre.