Stairwell, historic home, Savannah, Georgia.
It's been a long, hard climb, but today President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act into law! Hallelujah! This means equal pay for men and women doing the same job. And Lilly Ledbetter herself was by the President's side, as he signed the legislation.
The measure amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It also applies to discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability or age.
An excerpt of the President's remarks on this auspicious occasion:
"...Because while this bill bears her name, Lilly knows this story isn’t just about her. It’s the story of women across this country still earning just 78 cents for every dollar men earn – women of color even less – which means that today, in the year 2009, countless women are still losing thousands of dollars in salary, income and retirement savings over the course of a lifetime.
"But equal pay is by no means just a women’s issue – it’s a family issue. It’s about parents who find themselves with less money for tuition or child care; couples who wind up with less to retire on; households where, when one breadwinner is paid less than she deserves, that’s the difference between affording the mortgage – or not; between keeping the heat on, or paying the doctor’s bills – or not. And in this economy, when so many folks are already working harder for less and struggling to get by, the last thing they can afford is losing part of each month’s paycheck to simple discrimination.
"So in signing this bill today, I intend to send a clear message: That making our economy work means making sure it works for everyone. That there are no second class citizens in our workplaces, and that it’s not just unfair and illegal – but bad for business – to pay someone less because of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion or disability. And that justice isn’t about some abstract legal theory, or footnote in a casebook – it’s about how our laws affect the daily realities of people’s lives: their ability to make a living and care for their families and achieve their goals.
"Ultimately, though, equal pay isn’t just an economic issue for millions of Americans and their families, it’s a question of who we are – and whether we’re truly living up to our fundamental ideals. Whether we’ll do our part, as generations before us, to ensure those words put to paper more than 200 years ago really mean something – to breathe new life into them with the more enlightened understandings of our time.
"That is what Lilly Ledbetter challenged us to do. And today, I sign this bill not just in her honor, but in honor of those who came before her. Women like my grandmother who worked in a bank all her life, and even after she hit that glass ceiling, kept getting up and giving her best every day, without complaint, because she wanted something better for me and my sister.
"And I sign this bill for my daughters, and all those who will come after us, because I want them to grow up in a nation that values their contributions, where there are no limits to their dreams and they have opportunities their mothers and grandmothers never could have imagined.
"In the end, that’s why Lilly stayed the course. She knew it was too late for her – that this bill wouldn’t undo the years of injustice she faced or restore the earnings she was denied. But this grandmother from Alabama kept on fighting, because she was thinking about the next generation. It’s what we’ve always done in America – set our sights high for ourselves, but even higher for our children and grandchildren.
"Now it’s up to us to continue this work. This bill is an important step – a simple fix to ensure fundamental fairness to American workers – and I want to thank this remarkable and bi-partisan group of legislators who worked so hard to get it passed. And this is only the beginning. I know that if we stay focused, as Lilly did – and keep standing for what’s right, as Lilly did – we will close that pay gap and ensure that our daughters have the same rights, the same chances, and the same freedom to pursue their dreams as our sons."
Thank you, President Obama! And thank you Lilly Ledbetter and all the women who fought for equal pay for equal work.
I have been a manager for years and am glad to see this happening. There are several women that I know making more than I do. Finnaly I will get that raise that has past me by.
Posted by: Erik | 01 February 2009 at 13:50
Obama's actions are fulfilling the commandments from the Bible.
In the book of Colossians Chapter 4 begings like this:
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal;
Knowing that ye also have a Master in Heavens.
Posted by: Elio M. Fernandez | 31 January 2009 at 17:26
The changes we've witnessed with this president are all positive. Despite the troubles we face, there's an optimistic feeling in the air. So refreshing, isn't it??!!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 January 2009 at 10:19
I agree with you about the "new blog." Amazing things happening every day. Not a moment too soon, either.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 January 2009 at 10:17
You're absolutely right, Colette. So nice to have an enlightened thinker at the helm, for a change.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 January 2009 at 10:15
Yes, truly a great day! I didn't hear the NPR interview; will try to do so online.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 January 2009 at 10:14
Isn't this just incredible?! I love the change we have felt already. This is great news!
Posted by: Christina | 31 January 2009 at 05:48
ooopssss
times 2 !!
:-)
sorry, colette c!
i am not the only one to think of this,
i see.
oh happy day.
we are all on the same page over here....
Yippeee!
Posted by: somepinkflowers | 31 January 2009 at 03:12
"""and i sign this bill for my daughters"""
oooops....
didn't our last president have daughters, too ?
:-0
my favorite new blog---->
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/
:-)
Posted by: somepinkflowers | 31 January 2009 at 03:08
What stuck in my mind when I listened to this yesterday was when the Pres said it was also "for my daughters." I couldn't help thinking of "other politicans" with daughters (save, perhaps, chelsea c.) who did nothing..
Posted by: Colette Copeland | 30 January 2009 at 23:28
It was so wonderful to see Lilly with Obama yesterday -- and I liked how he incorporated Michelle into the action, too. Did you hear the NPR interview? Great!
Posted by: jeanie | 30 January 2009 at 22:04
Thanks, Karen. Isn't it fantastic, especially for our daughters??!!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 January 2009 at 11:52
I like your energizer bunny analogy, Rosemary. It's so fantastic to watch good things come out of the White House, after eight years of dread at the latest pronouncement.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 January 2009 at 11:51
Well, after eight long years of a president taking away civil liberties, a president who does good things for the country takes some getting used to! I am so thrilled about this bill, for Jordana and for all the young people especially out there who will benefit!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 January 2009 at 11:50
Isn't it thrilling??!! Yes, that's Savannah.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 January 2009 at 11:47
Isn't he just - with no help from the opposite aisle. Hard to get used to having a president who's actually doing some good, rather than wreaking havoc. It's a wonderful thing to watch promises coming to fruition!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 30 January 2009 at 11:47
He's coming through!
Posted by: Marianne | 30 January 2009 at 06:30
I think this, "where there are no limits to their dreams and they have opportunities their mothers and grandmothers never could have imagined." is completely amazing.
On another note, I think I photographed this same house when I was in Savannah. Either that, or the same company did the ironwork. Savannah, yes?
Posted by: Relyn | 30 January 2009 at 05:50
It's still hard to believe that this man is our president. I must be really shell-shocked.
Posted by: tangobaby | 30 January 2009 at 01:59
Yes, finally. The man is like the energizer bunny for bettering our country! I too am just thrilled!
Posted by: Rosa | 30 January 2009 at 00:08
Right on, Tara!!! It's wonderful news.
I come here BEFORE going to CNN.
You are so amazing.
xxoo K
Posted by: karen cole | 29 January 2009 at 23:57
Isn't it a thrill??!! I think this will make such a difference in the workplace and in women's lives. And while I haven't heard Mrs. Ledbetter speak, I did read about her struggle. You're right, an amazing woman! As for the President, he's very impressive. Too bad the Republican Congress is behaving like sore losers in the schoolyard, refusing to support the stimulus package to help America get back on its feet. Sour grapes!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 29 January 2009 at 22:18
Amen!
Have you heard Mrs Ledbetter talk about her experience? She's quite an amazing woman. I could listen to her talk all day.
President Obama continues to impress, in his substance, style and demeanor. He's just what we need right now!
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 29 January 2009 at 21:18