04-07-19

May 7, 2019
E-newsletter

Paycheck Fairness is a Family Issue 

Let's be honest: despite the incredible gains women have made over the last two centuries, in California today, you are more likely to earn less, be denied equal access in employment, and receive poorer quality healthcare if you are a woman. Neither the United States or California has ever had a female chief executive, and even with the historic gains in the last elections, women still only make up less than 1/4 of the United States House of Representatives. 

And we know that the challenges facing women are even steeper for women of color. Taking on these challenges is not simply an issue of economics - but we also know that discrimination based on gender costs our economy billions of dollars a year. It's a question of justice. 

That's why I was proud to co-sponsor and vote on two pieces of legislation that will strengthen protections for women  - the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Violence Against Women Act. As I was casting my vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that will help ensure that women are paid the same wage for the same work - I thought of my mom, one of the first Equal Opportunity officers in Nevada, and of my daughter, who I hope will have access to all the same opportunities as my sons. 

 

Hill Highlights

The Paycheck Fairness Act

I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which overwhelmingly passed in the House this week. This critical legislation strengthens loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act to secure justice for working women by providing effective solutions to unjust and inequitable pay practices.

The wage gap is a family issue, and one that affects every American and Central Valley family. The passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act is an important step in repairing this injustice. Among its key provisions the bill:

  • Prohibits employers from relying on salary history in determining future pay, so that discrimination does not follow women in future jobs;
  • Bans retaliation against employees who discuss or disclose wages;
  • Requires employers to prove pay disparities are legitimate and not based on sex;
  • Provides assistance to businesses to help them with their equal pay practices.

The Violence Against Women Act

I was proud to stand with Democrats and Republicans to co-sponsor this critical legislation to protect millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. More needs to be done – today, 1 in 3 women have suffered domestic violence. This is unacceptable – and I will continue working until every single American can live free from violence and fear.

This reauthorization acts on Congress’s responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors and advocates. This bipartisan bill:

  • Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking;
  • Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors;
  • Improves protections for Native women, including by reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking;
  • Closes loopholes in current firearm laws in order help prevent “intimate partner” homicides, by prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking or dating violence from possessing firearms; and
  • Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.

Resolution Supporting the Affordable Care Act

The Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions threatens the healthcare of everyone with asthma, diabetes, and even pregnancy. And now it threatens to throw millions of people enrolled in Medi-Cal off their healthcare.


Unfortunately, this Administration is showing no signs of stopping their assault on Americans' healthcare. I was proud to co-sponsor and vote in support of this legislation standing up to the Administration's attacks on our care.


In the Valley and in the Capitol

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Great meeting with CSU Bakersfield staff in my Washington, D.C. office! I look forward to touring the University soon and partnering with the CSU to bring more education opportunities for my constituents.

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Thank you to the Reedley College TRIO Upward Bound Program for visiting me. It’s always a pleasure to meet with students from the Central Valley – especially after a long week in D.C. Know that you have me as your partner in the U.S. Congress and I’m committed to working with TRIO and our Community Colleges in the Central Valley. 

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It was an honor to speak at the GeoChallenge Competition at Fresno State! As an engineer, I believe it’s critical that we involve our next generation in STEM programs to solve the challenges our world is facing today. I’m always inspired by our bright youth and committed to investing and promoting legislation in Congress that brings more STEM opportunities for rural communities like the Central Valley.

 

Congressional Art Competition

Calling all high school students who live in CA-21 to participate in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition! The competition is open to all high school students who live in the 21st Congressional District and has open categories such as painting, drawing, print, and more. All submissions must be original and executed by the student. The winners will be chosen by a panel of art professionals from the district and there will be a reception for all participants, their families, and teachers.

 
The first-place winner of our competition will receive two round-trip tickets to the National Reception in Washington, D.C.; a $3,000 scholarship to a prestigious art college; and their art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Second and third place art pieces will be displayed in the Congressman’s Bakersfield and Selma District offices. Visit my website at cox.house.gov for further information or call my Bakersfield office at (661) 864-7736.


TJ’s Recommended Reading

Washington Post (3/18/19) – For third year in a row, Trump’s budget plan eliminates arts, public TV and library funding

Over the past couple of years the President’s Fiscal Year budget proposals have eliminated federal funding for the arts and humanities, public television and radio, and libraries and museums. The Washington Post article examines the Fiscal Year 2020 budget and how the White House has planned to only provide small appropriations for each agency to barely get by. This appropriations season, I’m working with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure we allocate adequate funding for these critical programs that provide school readiness for our nations’ children and support for our teachers and caregivers.

Bakersfield Californian (9/27/18) –Rancher emphasizes feeding Kern County first

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My family and I had the pleasure of meeting Debbie Wise and her assistant Maddie at Debbie’s Redhouse Ranch this past weekend. Redhouse employs a no-grains philosophy for its grass-fed, grass-finished pastured meats that focuses on feeding local Kern County families. I was deeply impressed by Debbie’s work and her focus on bringing locally grown and fresh food to the community.  

 

 Staying Informed

You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues I’m working on at cox.house.gov. I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

 

If you’re ever in DC, please call ahead so we can help you arrange tours and update you on upcoming events you may be interested in attending. Be sure to visit us at our office, 1728 Longworth and take the “TJ Challenge” – you get a special prize if you can tell me how many steps there are from the basement up to the 7th floor (and you’ll have to walk them to know!)  

 

In your service,
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TJ Cox
Member of Congress