EMILYs List Statement on the Anniversary of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

January 29, 2017

EMILYs List Statement on the Anniversary of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eight years ago today, President Barack Obama signed his first bill as president: the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helped women fight back against gender discrimination in pay across the country. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, released the following statement on the anniversary of this significant milestone:

“This anniversary reminds us how misplaced President Donald Trump's priorities are. Eight years ago today, President Barack Obama sent a message to women across the country that he would stand with us in our fight for equality as he made the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act the first piece of legislation he signed in office. Now, closing out week one of Donald Trump's presidency, there couldn't be more of a stark contrast when it comes to his administration's priorities. Rather than continuing the fight for women's equality, Donald Trump and his Republican allies have focused their time on actions that roll the clock back on women's progress, and in the past have actively fought against legislation to end the gender wage gap. Thats why EMILY's List is more energized and committed than ever to bring more pro-choice Democratic women's voices to office, who will always fight to advance women's opportunities, not hold them back.” 

EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have trained over 9,000 women to run and helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color – including every single Latina, African American, and Asian American Democratic congresswoman currently serving.