Frankfort, KY - On Sunday, August 26th, Americans will celebrate the 87th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment which granted full suffrage to women. While women continue to make great strides towards full equality worldwide, the progress of women in Kentucky has remained stagnant during the past four years.

“Women in Kentucky earn 77-cents for every dollar men earn,” said Steve Beshear, democratic candidate for Governor. "Strong leadership from the Governor’s office would bring a renewed commitment to equality throughout Kentucky.”

According to a report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) available at www.iwpr.org, Kentucky ranks 37th in the nation in pay equity, while the IWPR's Economic Policy Environment Composite Index ranks Kentucky 41st in women-friendliness of state economic policy. The index measures women's educational level, business ownership, poverty, and health coverage to determine the rankings.

As Governor, Steve Beshear will provide women with an equal voice within his administration through appointment to Boards and Commissions. The Beshear administration will also reenergize the Kentucky Commission on Women, enhance resources for women owned businesses, and address pay inequities within state government as an example to business throughout the Commonwealth.

"It’s time to recognize that these issues are not ‘women’s issues’ they are family issues,” said Beshear. “They need to be addressed not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s in the best interest of all Kentuckians to do so."