A resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano urging the United States Soccer Federation to provide the U.S. Women’s National Team with equal pay passed the Assembly Thursday, 74-0-2. In response to the passage of resolution AJR-57, Quijano released the following statement:
“The fact that female soccer players are not paid the same as their male counterparts is ultimately a matter of fairness.
“The U.S. Women’s National Team has actually generated more revenue than the men’s team in prior years and has had a number of impressive victories throughout their run. Yet not only do they receive lower salaries, fewer bonuses and less sponsorship compensation, but their travel and training conditions are poorer quality as well.
“The fact that these hard-working women are underpaid isn’t just an issue of one team’s unjust treatment – it is emblematic of the larger issue of income inequality. Throughout various industries and professions, women do the same job for less pay.
“The United States Soccer Federation has a chance to set a prime example for the equal treatment of working women throughout the world. That is why I call upon their organization to look at the facts, listen to the people, and do the right thing.”