Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau), the sponsor of the New York State Fair Pay Act, will be joining local gender equality groups for National Equal Pay Day on Tuesday, April 28.

The day is designed to draw attention to the still-existing pay disparities between women and men.

"Studies show that women make 77 cents for every dollar that their male counterparts make for the same tasks," said Senator Johnson. "Pay discrimination is still a fact of life and once and for all we need to ensure that everyone receive the equal pay and the equal respect that they deserve."

Senator Johnson and his staff will be participating in a day of events that includes handing out lilies - in honor of Lilly Ledbetter- along with information on wage disparity and the Fair Pay Act, at local train stations. A rally in Albany will also be held. Participating groups include the Long Island Fund for Women & Girls, Women on the Job, New York State Pay Equity Coalition, and the Long Island Women's Agenda.

The New York State Fair Pay Act, (S.3936), would mandate equal pay for work of equal value for jobs in which women and people of color predominate. The bill, which is similar to legislation on the books in two dozen other states, would additionally offer employee protections for disclosing or discussing their salaries. These protections do not currently exist.

For more information on National Equal Pay Day, contact Senator Johnson's office at 516.746.5923.