Scott Walker Pressed For Answers On Wisconsin Equal Pay Law Repeal
Posted: 04/23/2012 12:20 pm
WASHINGTON -- Three female Democratic leaders in Wisconsin are demanding an explanation from Gov. Scott Walker (R) of why he repealed a law that made it easier for victims of wage discrimination to have their day in court.
"We are writing today to request a written answer to a simple question on the minds of women and men across Wisconsin: Why did you sign Senate Bill 202 to repeal the 2009 Equal Pay Enforcement Act, and it [sic] doing so remove state legal recourse for women who are victims of pay discrimination?" wrote former Dane County executive Kathleen Falk, along with state Reps. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) and Chris Taylor (D-Madison), in a letter to Walker on Monday.
Falk is running in the Democratic primary for governor, hoping to face off against Walker in the recall general election in June. Sinicki and Taylor have both endorsed Falk. Sinicki is also one of the sponsors of the 2009 law.
Walker quietly signed the repeal of the Equal Pay Enforcement Act into law on April 5. The 2009 law was meant to deter employers from discriminating against certain groups by giving workers more avenues through which to press charges. Among other provisions, it allows individuals to plead their cases in the less costly, more accessible state circuit court system, rather than solely in federal court.
"Our request is necessary because the answer you have provided to the people of Wisconsin does not appear to be honest when compared with the facts," the letter continued. "Most importantly, our request is necessary because women are being paid less than men in Wisconsin for doing the same job, and it's wrong."
Walker's office did not return a request for comment.
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