April 19 was celebrated across the nation as "National Equal Pay Day," which raises awareness about unfair pay for women and people of color in America. On a national level, women are paid only 77 cents for every dollar a man is paid, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Because women earn less, they must work longer for the same pay, so "Equal Pay Day" is observed in April to indicate how far into each year a woman must work to earn as much as a man earned in the previous year. This year, April 19 symbolized the day when women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous week. Because women on average earn less, they must work longer for the same pay. For women of color, the wage gap is greater, as shown in our fact sheet.

In recognition of "Equal Pay Day," I announced a comprehensive plan to achieve equal pay for women in Nassau County government, proposing raises for predominantly female 911 operators who have historically been paid less than their male counterparts in fire communications. I was joined by Legislative Majority Leader Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), as well as advocates and representatives of women's organizations, in proclaiming April 19 as "Equal Pay Day in Nassau County" to draw attention to long-standing pay inequities and unveiled a series of initiatives.

As Americans prepared to mark "National Equal Pay Day," I presented to the Nassau County Legislature a Memorandum of Understanding for a settlement that would end the historic pay inequity for 911 (CB) operators, almost all of whom are women and who get paid less than fire communication operators, all of whom are men. In addition, I announced that the county is undertaking a comprehensive review of its compensation structure and has released a Request for Proposal for a company that will do this compensation/position review of all civil service titles, classifications and job specifications and responsibilities, and return with tangible proposals and recommendations. This is the first time in 45 years that such a study is being undertaken. The RFP is available on the county website www.nassaucountyny.gov under "Doing Business."

In addition to announcing this plan, I also voiced support for the New York State Fair Pay Bill, which would amend the state labor law to require employers to pay equal wages to employees whose jobs are comparable in skills, working conditions and responsibilities regardless of sex, race or national origin.

Calling for equal pay for equal work is necessary in order to recognize the full value of women's skills and significant contributions to the labor force. It is the right thing to do.