The 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 54, introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and senators, designates March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. This date symbolizes the additional time women must work into the new year to earn the same wages that men earned in the previous year. The resolution highlights the historical context of women's workforce participation in Wisconsin, noting that since World War II, women in the state have consistently ranked among the highest in the nation for labor force participation. It also marks the 106th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, which was a significant milestone in the fight for women's rights.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of addressing the pay equity gap, which has narrowed from women earning 42 cents less per dollar than men in 1979 to 12 cents less in 2023. It also presents statistics on wage disparities among different racial groups, indicating that while progress has been made, disparities still exist. By recognizing Equal Pay Day, the legislature aims to promote continued efforts toward achieving pay equity, which is essential for enhancing the quality of life for families and communities in Wisconsin.