With a budget surplus nearing $100 billion, it’s time for Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature to address demands for pay equity from state scientists whose work is undervalued and underpaid.
State scientists – more than half are women – often do similar work as state engineers, 78% of whom are men.
We count on California’s “citizen scientists” to protect our communities from toxic pollution, combat climate change, preserve wetlands, and identify safe consumer products.
State scientists working full-time, however, earn on average 27% less than state engineers – a difference of over $30,000 annually.
That’s not pocket change – it’s enough to pay rent or a mortgage for an entire year.