FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
February 4, 2015
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
FLASHBACK: Jeb Bush Clueless on Paycheck Fairness Act
Stumping in Michigan, presidential candidate botched question on critical legislation
MICHIGAN — In an attempt to lift the profile of his 2016 presidential campaign, Jeb Bush is speaking at the Detroit Economic Club today. Progress Michigan wants to remind people about what happened the last time Bush was in Michigan.
Bush made a stop in Michigan to support Terri Lynn Land’s Senate campaign and was asked by a Progress Michigan staffer if he thought Land should support the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.
“What’s the Paycheck Fairness Act?” was the presidential hopeful’s response.
Progress Michigan: Do you think Secretary Land should support the Paycheck Fairness Act?
Jeb Bush: Excuse me?
Progress Michigan: Do you think Secretary Land should support the Paycheck Fairness Act?
Bush: What’s the Paycheck Fairness Act?
Progress Michigan: The Paycheck Fairness Act is a piece of legislation that would ensure women receive the same pay as men…equal pay for equal work.
Bush: Equal pay for the same work, not for equal work—I think that’s the problem with it. I think there’s a definition issue.
Progress Michigan: So you don’t think Secretary Land should support it?
Bush: I don’t know. You’d have to ask her.
“Bush will be discussing his ‘Right to Rise’ economic agenda while in Detroit, and we want to make sure that the ‘Right to Rise’ includes the right to equal pay for equal work — if he has finally figured out what it is,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Any presidential candidate who doesn’t know what the Paycheck Fairness Act is or doesn’t support it doesn’t have the right priorities for Michigan or our country. We urge members of the media as well as the public to question Jeb Bush on his equal pay for equal work stance as he seeks the country’s highest office.”
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