Reaction to State of the Union
WASHINGTON DC -- Freshman Congressman Dan Kildee says he took extra satisfaction in President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday, because the President highlighted one of his bills.
Delivering his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress last night, President Barack Obama highlighted two critically important bills, the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Violence Against Women Act, both which have been cosponsored by Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint Township..
Kildee says, “I am pleased that President Obama used his State of the Union address to highlight and embrace two crucial pieces of legislation I’ve cosponsored as a Member of Congress. The Paycheck Fairness Act and Violence Against Women Act are two of my top priorities in Congress as both are vitally important to ensuring that women are protected and treated fairly in the workplace. It’s my hope that Congress passes these bills immediately and sends them to President Obama right away for his signature.”
In a news release, Kildee said last week, he spoke on the house floor, urging Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. He also held a roundtable discussion in Flint with local-area women leaders to discuss the importance of women receiving equal pay for equal work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women in the Fifth Congressional District currently are paid on average only 74 cents for every dollar paid to men, which is 3 cents less than the national wage gap of 77 cents.
From President Obama’s remarks last night, as prepared for delivery: “We know our economy is stronger when our wives, mothers, and daughters can live their lives free from discrimination in the workplace, and free from the fear of domestic violence. Today, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act that Joe Biden originally wrote almost 20 years ago. I urge the House to do the same. And I ask this Congress to declare that women should earn a living equal to their efforts, and finally pass the Paycheck Fairness Act this year.”
