Scone: Bush attempting to pave over glass ceiling?

The Paycheck Fairness Act, recently approved by the House (247-178) aims to help end pay discrimination against women and close the pay gap that has persisted for decades between the sexes.

Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, women still earn only 76 cents to every dollar earned by a man (a lifetime income loss ranging from $400,000 to $2 million, according to one estimate). This, in spite of the fact that women are receiving degrees at rates higher than men and the number of dual-earner households in the United States is higher now than any other point in history.

Aside from the issue of simple fairness, the legislation may help strengthen middle-class families depending on two incomes to make ends meet. Sadly, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.

The veto threat isn’t too surprising, I suppose, given this president’s affection for the business industry that – God forbid – would have to spend more to meet the legislation’s requirements. And if he couldn’t get behind health insurance for poor children, women probably shouldn’t expect any better.

Still, it’s disappointing when the person elected to do what’s best for all Americans, maintains the standard of what’s best for only half.