In weekly address, Obama reiterates call for equal pay

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is making his case for equal pay for women – a leading election-year issue for Democrats.

Obama says in his weekly radio and Internet address that it’s an embarrassment that women earn less than men even in the same professions and with the same education.

Obama issued an executive order this past week that bars federal contractors from retaliating against employees who discuss their salaries.

Such an order is considered a way for women to become better informed about their pay.

In the Republicans’ weekly address, Cathy McMorris Rodgers – a congresswoman from Washington state – says the economy under Obama is hurting women.

She says Republican proposals to help small businesses and increase jobs will benefit all.