*By Madison Alworth*
New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney wants women to stop paying more than men for products.
"Today my office issued a report on the 'pink tax.' This report shows, not only are we 80 cents to the dollar with the 20 percent discrimination in pay, but that we pay more for other products," said Maloney, who represents New York's 12th Congressional District, in an interview on Cheddar Tuesday.
The congresswoman was at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate Women's Equality Day, which marks the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.
The new ["Earn Less, Pay More"](https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ahead-of-women-s-equality-day-maloney-casey-release-earn-less-pay-more) report highlights research by the [Government Accountability Office](https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-18-500). The report found that half of the personal care items studied sported higher price tags for the women's version.
The issue extends beyond just personal care.
"We did see a discrepancy in how men and women were treated in mortgages, buying cars, financing, interest on their loans, even access to loans," Maloney said. "This needs to be addressed. Why should you be paid less and then have to turn around and pay more?"
Maloney hopes businesses will react proactively to her report and adjust prices so men and women pay the same amount.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/congresswoman-carolyn-maloney-fights-for-womens-equality).
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