GOP senator turns to equal pay for women, paid leave

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) plans to offer a pair of bills Thursday targeting women’s economic issues such as equal pay and paid leave.

“I think it’s an issue that to be honest, that we as a party have not taken a high profile on,” Fischer said in an interview with Politico previewing her legislation.

“Everybody supports equal pay, and sometimes we don’t do a good job of messaging and of showing people and coming up with new ideas.”

{mosads}Her equal pay measure resembles legislation Fischer has previously pushed. Women wouldn’t be penalized at their workplace under her bill for sharing or asking for salary information.

The Nebraska senator’s paid leave bill, called the Strong Families Act, gives businesses that offer their employees at least two weeks of paid leave a two-year tax credit.

In the past, Democrats have opposed Fischer’s equal pay measure, instead pushing for a more widespread measure to help women use legal measures to fight for equal pay.

Fischer said equal pay has universal support.

“Everyone believes in equal pay for equal work. Everyone believes in that. That is current law,” Fischer said. 

“We want to see the current law upheld, and to try to make this into a war on women, I just think it’s a soundbite that I believe most women are starting to realize is overused.”