Obama Discusses New Push for Better Workplace Conditions and More Economic Opportunities for Women During Thursday Orlando Visit
Thursday, March 20, 2014
By: Carmel Delshad

March 20, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando - President Obama was in Orlando today to talk about a new push to create better economic opportunities for women.

President Obama speaks at Valencia College on Thursday, in front of about 200 invited guests on the need for pay equity between men and women. He called for better workplace environment for women. Photo: Carmel Delshad | WMFE

On average, women earn 77 percent as much as their male counterparts—and President Obama wants to change that.

Under a banner reading “Opportunity for All" inside the Valencia College Special Events Center, the President told an invited audience of students, faculty, staff and local officials that improving work conditions for women helps everyone.

“It’s time for a women’s economic agenda that grows our economy for everybody. That begins with making sure women receive equal pay for equal work."

The President wants a tri-fold approach to helping female students, which will help all students: increasing the amount of the Pell Grant, creating a new $2,500 tax credit, and keeping student loan interest rates low.

This is the first of five regional events nationwide focused on women’s issues, leading up to the White House Summit on Working Families hosted by the President on June 23.