Pay Equity & Economic Security

Here in Oklahoma, we’re 43rd in the nation when it comes to gender pay equity. Common sense policies can help close the gap.

Women working full-time in Oklahoma are paid 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. That number decreases even more for women of color. This puts us at 43rd in the nation when it comes to gender pay equity. Taking into consideration that single mothers are the head of the household in about 22% of Oklahoma families, it is critical they’re paid enough to provide for their children.

There is a terrible misunderstanding about this issue, and skeptics continue to stick their head in the sand, primarily because salary discussions are discouraged in the workplace.

Abby witnessed the partisan power-plays behind pay equity firsthand as a journalist. When legislation that would increase fines for wage discrimination and allow employees to openly discuss salaries without fear of losing their job stalled for years at the Oklahoma legislature, Abby sought to figure out why. She uncovered a back-room power play at the Capitol where our representatives were putting partisan politics before progress for women. Abby confronted the legislator holding back a critical vote on television, showing Oklahomans exactly what was happening.

Abby understands the need for change.

She supports the Paycheck Fairness Act, which seeks to close the gender pay gap in part by preventing employers from retaliating against workers who discuss salary. This is the type of common sense policy everyone should support—yet Stephanie Bice voted against it within months of taking office.