Wage equality, statewide financial literacy and 12 weeks paid parental leave were themes highlighted by Deborah Goldberg, the State Treasurer of Massachusetts, in her remarks at the Women in Government reception, held on March 15, 2017 at the Union Club.
Her political career includes Chair of the Brookline Board of Selectmen, a run for Lieutenant Governor in 2006 and winning the office of State Treasurer in 2014. She explained the role of the office of state Treasurer, including cash management, debt management, school building assistance, veteran’s benefits, and managing the pension fund. In addition, she has expanded the traditional role of the office to include wage equality, statewide financial literacy, college savings plans and 12 weeks paid parental leave for employees in her office.
State Treasurer Goldberg, citing current data that women in Massachusetts earn just 83 cents on the dollars, and that African American women earn 61 cents and Latina women earn 50 cents, encouraged the audience to visit the website
www.equalpayma.com to learn more. This site includes a wage gap calculator and an employer tool kit that is a best practices guide for employers to understand and promote equal pay in the workplace. She noted the long term impacts of the wage gap, using the example of student loan debt. The wage gap results in more time paying off student debt with less available funds for homes and retirement. Employers are encouraged to learn about the issue and conduct an equal pay audit of their companies. She also touched upon that in the State Treasurer's office she has added an employee benefit of 12 weeks paid parental leave to employees in her office.
Deborah concluded her remarks by telling the group that she loves her job and is committed to closing the wage gap.