Letter to the editor

Displeasure over repeal of Equal Pay Enforcement Act

About the time Republicans were calling the “war on women” a liberal fantasy, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker quietly penned his signature on Senate Bill 202 which repeals the Equal Pay Enforcement Act. This occured on April 5. The law that Walker axed provided legal recourse for women who have been paid less than men for equal work.

The Equal Pay Enforcement Act, passed in 2009, was designed to discourage employers from discriminating against women and other groups by providing workers with more options by which they can press charges. For example, it allows individuals to sue in more affordable and accessible state circuit courts rather than federal courts.

Walker and Republicans in the state legislature thought it was a bad idea. Republican State Senator Glenn Grothman who championed the legislation defended the repeal of the Equal Pay Enforcement Act saying, “You could argue that money is more important for men.”

Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert suggested this hot tip. “If you’re going to sue your employer for unequal pay, hire a lady lawyer-much cheaper!”

On a recent campaign trip through Wisconsin, Republican Presidential contender Mitt Romney repeatedly praised Walker’s leadership, calling him a “hero” and a “man of courage.” Perhaps this explains why a recent ABC News/ Washington Post poll showed that Romney trails President Obama 38 percent to 57 percent among registered women voters.

Harlen Menk
Ellsworth, Wis.