President Barack Obama signed his first bill into law today: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
The law removes the requirement that women seeking equal pay file a complaint within 180 of receiving their first unfair paycheck. Since many women don't find out about unequal pay for years, it made it impossible for many, like Lilly Ledbetter, to file suit. (Read Ledbetter's story here)
The new law requires a suit be filed within 180 days of their last paycheck.
Ledbetter stood behind Obama as he signed the bill. He said:
"It is fitting that with the very first bill I sign ... we are upholding one of this nation's first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness."
"If we stay focused, as Lilly did, and keep standing for what's right, as Lilly did, we will close that pay gap and ensure that our daughters have the same rights, the same chances, and the same freedom to pursue their dreams as our sons."
Gail Collins has an amazing column on this today.
A good start to living up to that Ms. cover, Mr. President.