Women’s Equality Act

Dear Friends,

It’s outrageous that in 2014 a wage gap still exists between men and women. That’s why it’s been one of my top priorities to work toward pay equity – because this isn’t just a women’s issue – this is a family issue. Closing the wage gap would put more money in working families’ bank accounts. Recently, I renewed my commitment to this cause by supporting a resolution declaring April 8, 2014, as Equal Pay Day in New York. This resolution is another step in shining a light on the deeply unfair wage disparity women face.

Earlier this year, I helped the Assembly pass the Women’s Equality Act (A.8070).

This 10-point act would ensure greater fairness for the women of New York by not only achieving pay equity, but by also protecting a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, combating sexual harassment, strengthening human-trafficking laws and increasing protections for victims of domestic violence. However, the state Senate has failed to pass the 10-point Women’s Equality Act. It’s time women achieve full equality. It’s now up to the Senate to make sure this happens because women deserve the same rights as men.

In passing our 4th consecutive on-time state budget, we were able to address another deficiency that leaves women and their families unable to find good-paying jobs. Right now, too many working mothers are struggling to find reliable, quality care for their children. The cost of child care has skyrocketed, often forcing women to choose between their career and their family. This shouldn’t be a choice they have to make. To address this, I helped pass this year’s state budget which expands child care eligibility and increases the number of slots available. Together, these actions will help mothers balance work and family.

Please join me in the fight to achieve full equality for women. There is more to be done, and we should not settle for anything less than what women truly deserve. To discuss this or any other community issue, please contact my office at (718)892-2235 or email me at

benedem@assembly.state.ny.us.