Ziobron explains vote on pay equity bill

Recently, my opponent continued his negative campaigning with both a video and mailer targeting me directly. That campaign is furthering its claims in trying to portray me as hostile to women’s issues. With all that is going on nationally, it seems that any action that can be interpreted as adversarial to women is fair game to be called out, regardless of context. I’m an outspoken Republican, which makes me an easy target.

A recent criticism surrounds the issue of pay equity for women. Yes, I voted against HB 6850 in 2015, because it was a poorly constructed bill. I felt it needed to go back to committee, which it did. After careful bipartisan review, I had no qualms supporting it and I enthusiastically voted in favor.

I feel strongly that the drafting and revision of law is something that should be taken seriously. Hundreds of bills — many of them good conceptually — die in committee each year.

We too often forget the difference between campaigning and legislating. Pick any vote I have made, strip away the context, and one may find something that can be conveniently weaponized.

I have fought for women throughout my career, just as I have fought for all of my constituents regardless of race, color, gender, town or age. I hope to earn your vote and continue that work.

Melissa Ziobron, candidate for the 33rd District, state Senate, East Haddam