Senn (D-Mercer Island) Is Leading Efforts to Close the Pay Gap for Women
Fuse Washington named Rep. Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) as the "Legislator of the Week" for her work to ensure equal pay for women.
The state House passed HB 1646 which would increase the transparency of pay scales, and ban employers from retaliating against employees who discuss wages. On average, working women in Washington earn only 77 percent as much as their male co-workers. The disparity is even greater for women of color in the workplace. In 2012 alone, the wage gap resulted in an $18,650 loss for Black women and a $24,111 loss for Latinas.
"Rep. Tana Senn is a leading advocate for equality and fairness in the Legislature," said Sara Kiesler of Fuse Washington. "Her work is critical to ensuring all hardworking women are paid equally and recognized for their contribution to our local economy."
More than 20 other states have passed similar laws banning discrimination against workers for discussing wages and benefits. An equal pay bill passed the state House in 2015 but did not receive a vote in the state Senate.
"It's time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a Mad Men episode," said Kiesler. "Rep. Tana Senn's Equal Pay Opportunity Act will help working families across Washington by giving workers stronger tools to fight wage discrimination."
Last week's "Legislator of the Week" was Rep. June Robinson (D-Everett) for her work to increase accountability and transparency for aerospace tax breaks.
Fuse Washington is the state's largest progressive advocacy organization - people creating change online, on the ground, and on issues that matter most. Learn more at www.FuseWashington.org
