Senate Resolution No. designates March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in recognition of the ongoing wage disparities faced by women and people of color in the workforce. Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act 62 years ago and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act shortly thereafter, women still earn, on average, only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This resolution highlights the significant impact of pay discrimination on various ethnic and racial groups, particularly Black, Native American, Latina, and Asian American and Pacific Islander women, and emphasizes the long-term financial consequences of wage disparities, including effects on retirement savings and overall wealth accumulation.
The resolution also addresses the exacerbation of these disparities due to economic shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected women's labor force participation in Michigan. It calls for recognition of the value of women's contributions to the labor force and advocates for fair compensation based on merit rather than discriminatory factors. By designating Equal Pay Day, the Senate aims to raise awareness about the importance of equitable pay, which not only strengthens family security but also benefits the broader American economy.