Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 and represents the 47th Assembly District. She was re-elected in 2014 and will officially launch her 2016 re-election campaign on Saturday March 12. Brown leveraged her years of experience in public service as a springboard for her entry into politics. Brown also has years of experience in both broadcasting and journalism and is the co-founder of Brown Publishing Company.
Recently, in an exclusive exchange with The Voice, Brown shared her perspective regarding what she sees as the biggest roadblock(s) to women attaining parity in regards to both politics and pay. “Often times,” she shared, “women don’t know that they can ask for what they want.” Brown added, “Contrary to men, we weren’t trained to negotiate at a young age.”
Brown was also asked for her ideas regarding what can be done to break through the barriers that continue to support the disparity in pay between women and men who do the same or similar work.
“Last year, I proudly supported SB 358 to address the gender wage gap in California. Through the collaborative efforts of men and women in the legislature, the bill was passed into law.”
California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB358—the California Fair Pay Act, into law last October. The legislation was intended to increase wage transparency which should make it more difficult for an employer to defend against an equal pay claim. The law became effective January 1 and is considered one of the strongest equal pay laws in the nation.
“SB 358 will provide more opportunities for women and improve economic equality,” Brown proclaimed.