WASHINGTON – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on Equal Pay Day:

“Every year, Equal Pay Day marks when women’s wages catch up to those of our male counterparts from the previous year, as across the country we make an average of only 79 cents for every dollar made by a man. For Hispanic and African American women, the difference is even greater at 55 and 60 cents on the dollar, respectively. Wage disparity isn’t just a women’s issue, because it means less total income for our working families.

“Democrats are proud of our policies that put these families first, instead of focusing only on those at the top. Both of our presidential candidates championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Act, both of which seek to address wage discrimination, and have put forth plans to continue the economic progress under President Obama.

“All of the Republican presidential candidates would stand against protections that ensure greater equality in the workplace. John Kasich has consistently belittled women and said that we don’t need workplace protections, just a ‘change of heart’ among major employers. Ted Cruz voted against the Paycheck Fairness Act three times and ridiculed the legislation as a ‘show vote.’ Donald Trump stated that women would have pay equity if we did ‘as good a job’ as men. This stunning indifference to the issues most important to women and working families makes it clear that we must elect a Democrat as the 45th President of the United States.”