Governor Jay Nixon has signed an executive order to promote equal pay among genders. The order directs state agencies and strongly encourages the private sector to use preliminary guidelines by the Women’s Foundation and the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy to identify and address any gender wage gap and provide Missourians with equal pay for equal work.
“We need to ensure that all Missourians are getting a fair shake and an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” Gov. Nixon said. “Shortchanging 50 percent of the workforce is bad for women, it’s bad for families, and it’s bad for our entire economy. Equal work deserves equal pay – period. My executive order sends a strong message that Missouri intends to be a leader in creating an economy of opportunity that works for everyone.”
According to a study by the Mizzou Institute of Public Policy prepared for the Women’s Foundation, between 2008 and 2012, full-time, year-round female workers in Missouri earned 71% of men’s earnings.
“Governor Nixon’s leadership is bringing Missouri a step closer to equal pay for equal work,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “We commend the Governor for being a national leader in closing the gender pay gap, refusing to accept the status quo in Missouri, and creating economic opportunity for women and their families.”
A final report on the guidelines will be published in April.