The most thorough study of U.S Census Bureau data released last Thursday shows that the the wage gap between women is not closing and that women still make about 77 cents to the dollar when they perform the same tasks as men. Think of it as an ovary tax.

The study covered all fifty states and all 435 congressional districts and found unfairness in 97 percent of congressional districts.

“It is stunning and deeply troubling to learn that the wage gap affects women in nearly every congressional district in the country. Women and their families are losing critical income for food, gas, rent, health insurance and more due to a punishing gender-based wage gap that has plagued this country for decades,” said Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership. “These new data should be a clear and resounding wake-up call for all lawmakers who have the power to pass legislation that would help close the gap and promote economic security for the women and families in their districts.”

There is a movement to pass a “Paycheck Fairness Act” which would remove loopholes in current law. The bill has been tried before and narrowly lost.

“The wage gap is taking a tremendous toll on women and their families throughout the country,” Ness added. “The gap persists across industries, education levels and, as these data make clear, it spans the geography of our country. It’s time for all members of Congress to take a hard look at the damage being done in their districts and commit to promoting fair wages by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act.”

To read more and find how you can support the Paycheck Fairness Act, click here:

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