September 8, 2021: Native Women's Equal Pay Day

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, to this day, Native women are still not paid 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 82 cents for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts; and,

 

WHEREAS, the average Native woman in the United States who works full-time, year-round is typically paid 60 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men; and,

 

WHEREAS, this gap in pay typically amounts to a loss of $2,055 every month or $24,656 every year, and adds up to $986,240 over a 40-year career. 

 

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 that Native women 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 September 8, 2021, as Native Women's Equal Pay Day in Michigan.