March 9, 2021: Asian American and Pacific Islander Equal Pay Day

WHEREAS, March 9, 2021, marks the number of days Asian American and Pacific Islander women must work to make the same amount as their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts were paid in 2020; and,

 

WHEREAS, according to the National Women's Law Center, women overall working full-time, year-round are typically paid only $0.82 for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts; and,

 

WHEREAS, more than 50 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women in Michigan continue to suffer the consequences of unequal pay, with even greater disparities across race and ethnicity; and,

 

WHEREAS, the average Asian American / Pacific Islander woman in the United States who works full-time, year-round is typically paid 87 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men; and,

 

WHEREAS, the wage gap is far greater within specific Asian American / Pacific Islander populations, such as Vietnamese women who average 67 cents, Hmong women at 61 cents, and Burmese women at 52 cents nationally, which are among the largest wage gaps in the country; and,  

 

WHEREAS, women continue to experience a pervasive wage gap with real consequences for their families, communities, and our nation; and,

 

WHEREAS, these lost wages mean Asian American / Pacific Islander women and their families have less money to support themselves and their families, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services. Families, businesses, and the economy suffer as a result; and,

 

WHEREAS, on this day, we raise awareness of the need to institute fair pay policies which will allow us to achieve pay equity across the board for all women;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 9, 2021, as Asian American and Pacific Islander Equal Pay Day in Michigan.