Paycheck Fairness Advocates Applaud Governor Hassan Signing the NH Paycheck Fairness Act into Law

CONCORD, NH – Today Governor Maggie Hassan ceremoniously signed SB 207 and HB 1188, the New Hampshire Paycheck Fairness Act into law. The Paycheck Fairness Act will eliminate loopholes, increase transparency in wages, and ensure that all workers have the appropriate tools and resources to help them earn a fair and equal paycheck, without fear of retaliation.

NH Citizens Alliance for Action, Granite State Progress, and the New Hampshire Women’s Initiative applaud Governor Hassan for signing SB 207 and HB 1188, the New Hampshire Paycheck Fairness Act into law. The organizations released the following statements on today’s bill signing ceremony:

Kary Jencks, Executive Director of NH Citizens Alliance for Action: “Ensuring equal pay for equal work is integral to the economic security of individuals and families. On behalf of our 20,000 members, NH Citizens Alliance commends Governor Hassan and her progressive colleagues in the state legislature for passing the Paycheck Fairness Act and their continued efforts to build a New Hampshire that works for all of us."

Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director of Granite State Progress: “Granite State Progress is proud to have worked with leaders like Governor Hassan, Senator Larsen, and Speaker Norelli to ensure that New Hampshire’s Paycheck Fairness Act became law. We commend the bipartisan support of our legislature to ensure the adoption of this legislation, and encourage our federal delegation to follow suit. This law will give employees the tools they need to challenge wage gaps and help create a climate where wage discrimination is no longer tolerated."

Mary Jo Brown, Chair of the New Hampshire Women’s Initiative: “The New Hampshire Women's Initiative is proud to have played a role in championing SB207. We applaud the collaboration and consensus this bill promoted, and look forward to future work that will advance gender equality in both economic, social and political arenas.”

SB 207 sponsors include all Senate Democrats along with House Speaker Terie Norelli, Rep. Shannon Chandley (D-Amherst), Rep. MaryAnn Knowles (D-Hudson), and Rep. Marjorie Porter (D-Hillsboro). HB 1188 sponsors included Rep. Chuck Weed (D-Keene), Rep. Michael Cahill (D-Newmarket), Rep. Larry Phillips (D-Keene), Rep. Doug Ley (D-Jaffrey), Rep. Marcia Moody (D-Newmarket), Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth).

Granite State Progressis a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Press releases and other information available online atwww.GraniteStateProgress.org.