MI HR0229

Designates April 17, 2012, as Pay Equity Day in Michigan to raise awareness of wage inequality between men and women.

Documents that women earned only 77% of men's earnings in 2010 according to U.S. Census Bureau data, with little progress nearly 50 years after the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Notes Michigan-specific data showing women earned $34,542 compared to men's $48,066, with college-educated women earning only 72% of male counterparts' wages, ranking Michigan 46th nationally.

Highlights that lifetime wage disparity costs the average American woman $700,000 to $2 million in lost wages, affecting retirement and Social Security benefits.

Urges Michigan citizens to recognize women's contributions to the workforce and encourages businesses to conduct internal pay evaluations to ensure fair compensation.