State contracts can aid in quest for gender pay equity

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

By Bill Dodd

This year marks the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, a significant milestone in the evolution of civil rights in our nation’s history. While we have made progress over the past 95 years, women still do not receive equal pay for equal work. California can play an important role in correcting this disparity.

The state of California spends almost $10 billion annually on state contractors who provide our state agencies with essential goods and services. When the state awards contracts, we need to ensure taxpayer money is going to companies that promote gender pay equity.