But we still have a long way to go. This is not the time to jeopardize the programs designed to give people a hand up, rather than a hand out. Because of its vague and broadly written language, I-200 can and will be read many ways. It is confusing and will create a tangle of expensive lawsuits. It could eliminate job training programs that help women and minorities make the transition from welfare to work.
Education is the great equalizer.
I know this from personal experience. But this plan could end targeted educational opportunities, like tutoring, that can give children a helping hand early. I-200 could set back our efforts to achieve equal pay for women. Women, on average, still make only 74 cents to every dollar earned by men for the same work. We need to change that.