Received this e-mail from Senator Brian Schatz's (D. HI) U.S. Senate campaign today:
I’m a young professional who balances my career with caring for my energetic two-year-old daughter. While I wouldn’t trade away any part of my life, it isn’t always easy to manage.
As a board member and PR chair of the Zonta Club of Hilo, a chapter of an international organization working to advance the status of women and girls, I’ve seen a lot of others face similar challenges. Often it’s because they’re running up against an economic status quo that simply doesn’t fit with the 21st century workplace.
One thing I think is just ridiculous is that in 2014, women still don’t always earn the same pay as men for doing the same work.
There are common-sense steps to help fix this situation, like the measures in the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would make it easier for women to discover if they are being underpaid and take action against their employer if they are.
Senator Brian Schatz and a majority of the U.S. Senate support this bill. But unfortunately, a group of Republicans this month blocked the bill from getting a vote — for the third time.
Tell obstructionists in the Senate to get out of the way and let the Paycheck Fairness Act get a vote.
http://action.brianschatz.com/...
As I hear the struggles of people in the community while active with the Zonta Club, and as I see the economy from a different angle as a board member of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, I’ve realized that many of the barriers facing women in today’s world make it tough for all of Hawai‘i’s families.
Senator Schatz gets it. I appreciate that he takes the time to listen to the challenges faced by a younger mom like me, and he’s one of very few U.S. Senators with young kids of his own at home.
He’s putting that firsthand experience to good use by supporting the American Opportunity Plan alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (a mom and amazing woman leader herself). This package would help build an economy where everyone has a fair shot, through steps like raising the minimum wage, providing paid family and medical leave, expanding affordable child care, and of course, helping ensure equal pay for equal work.
Let’s send a strong message to those who would rather stand in the way than let progress happen, and help convince the Senate to take the first step toward an economy that works for all of our families.
Sign the petition: tell Senate Republicans to stop blocking the Paycheck Fairness Act.
http://action.brianschatz.com/...
I hope you’ll sign Senator Schatz’s petition to help pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and then stay active with the campaign, so we can ensure we keep his leadership in the U.S. Senate.
Mahalo,
Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz
East Hawai‘i Campaign Coordinator
Schatz for Hawai‘i