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Sweeney-Weinberg Statement on U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Wage Discrimination Action

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TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg issued the following statement after news broke that five members of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, including co-captain Carli Lloyd from New Jersey, filed wage discrimination action on behalf of their team against the U.S. Soccer Federation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Senators Weinberg and Sweeney, joined by Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham, sponsored legislation to close the wage gap between men and women in New Jersey this year. The bill, S-992, received final legislative approval in March and now awaits the Governor’s action.

“This is a glaring example of the gross disparity in pay between men and women in this country. Pay discrimination runs rampant across the nation, in all industries and throughout all sectors, and it is not acceptable that women continue to earn less than their male counterparts for equal work.

 “We support and commend the women who have made us proud as Americans with their victories in three World Cup Championships and four Olympic Championships in their fight for equal pay for equal play.

 “This is the fight of every American and for our children and grandchildren who deserve to grow up in a society that treats them fairly.

 “We unite and fight alongside Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn and Hope Solo, and the many others who join in standing up for equal rights, dignity and respect.”