Editor,

The pay equity battle strikes again at the Colorado state Capitol, but don’t be fooled by the outdated statistics often presented by those advocating for the unnecessary legislation. Pay equity is an issue of the past, and both men and women alike can see the extraordinary changes that now ensure equal pay for equal work. The current statistics surrounding this issue prove that the legislation that is already in place has been effective in creating a fair and equal playing field.

The Equal Pay Act was one of the first pieces of legislation that was put in place to guard against unequal pay and abolish wage disparity based on sex. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act also serves as a guard against discrimination based on sex.

Pay equity is already a Colorado policy. Creating additional legislation is a waste of time that serves political posturing more than it does the strong and hardworking women of this great state. As a woman, a minority and an elected official, this legislation is certainly not on my agenda. Last year House Bill 15-1133, also known as Pay Equity Commission, was killed in the Senate State Affairs Committee due to being “unnecessary and not having met its statutory mandate.” If any individual, man or woman, believes they are a victim of pay inequity, they have every right to address this with their employer, and they have the right to take legal action if the issue cannot be resolved.

It is my sincere belief that we live in a world of opportunity in the greatest nation, and any man or woman can pursue their career goals and ambitions so long as they have the drive and perseverance to do so. It is because of this that I intend to focus my efforts on reducing the size and scope of government and a myriad of other issues that will have a positive impact on Colorado families. I urge your readers to contact their legislators and ask them to do the same.

State Rep. Clarice Navarro, R-Pueblo