Democratic women’s groups are weighing in on a new report showing women working in Attorney General Greg Abbott's office are paid less than their male counterparts. The numbers come on the heals of a major battle between Abbott and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis over equal pay laws.
The numbers come from an article posted in the San Antonio Express News, showing that the women working as assistant attorney generals make, on average, less than their male counterparts -- averaging nearly $6,000 less in annual salaries.
Grace Garcia is the executive director for Annie’s List, a group that promotes Democratic women in politics. Garcia said the State of Texas needs its own version of an equal-pay law.
"So when you look at women not being paid equally for the same job, I think 42 other states have passed similar legislation," Garcia said.
ACLU of Texas Executive Director Terri Burke said the latest report on the attorney general’s office is disturbing. Burke said it all boils down to who is doing the hiring:
“Perhaps the hiring managers are men and men pay men what they would want to make," Burke said.
Burke said many wage discrimination cases don’t rise to the federal court level and are better suited for the state court, but Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would’ve allowed for that in 2013. Abbott indicated he would have taken a similar position.
