On Day One as Executive, I’ll work to eliminate the gender pay gap in Oakland County. Using Census Data, the National Partnership for Women and Families found that women in Michigan are paid, on average, 78 cents for every dollar paid to a man. This is an annual yearly difference of $11,044. The disparity is worse for women of color. Black women in Michigan earn 63 cents and Latina women make 58 cents for every dollar paid to a man. If Michigan women were paid as much as men, they would be able to afford 81 more weeks of food for their families, 13.5 more months of rent, or 18 additional months of childcare.*

We can do better in Oakland County, and I pledge to take this issue head-on. Starting with the Oakland County government, we will ensure that women receive the same compensation as men for the same work. Fundamental fairness requires equal pay, as well as absolute freedom from discrimination, harassment, and sexual assault.

 

The County should only do business with companies that embrace and uplift these principles. Everyone, no matter their gender, should stand with the #MeToo Movement and victims of abuse in celebrating their contribution to righting the scales of justice.