Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is establishing a commission on LGBTQ Affairs to coordinate the state’s efforts towards ensuring equality.

On Monday, Wolf said the creation of the LGBTQ Affairs Commission is another step by his administration to ensure that it is eliminating obstacles for people facing unfair disadvantages because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

“It’s a step we took together with our stakeholder and advocacy groups," the governor said. He added that the stakeholders requested a “commission to help coordinate and drive statewide equality efforts.”

In addition, Wolf stated, “Today’s announcement is timely and important, but also not the end of our efforts to create a Pennsylvania that espouses inclusion and diversity in all that we do.”

Wolf: Pennsylvania Needs Change

Early in his administration, Wolf created an LGBTQ work group. The LGBTQ Affairs Commission, which will consist of 40 members, will continue the group’s work.

“When I became governor, we saw that change was needed and we made it happen," Wolf said. "Better yet, we are still making it happen and will do so until every Pennsylvanian can live, work, love and thrive in our state with an assuredness of support and safety."

Todd Snovel will serve as executive director of the commission. Snovel is the assistant dean for engagement and inclusion at Lebanon Valley College. He teaches courses on genders, identities and sexualities. He previously served as chairman of the Lebanon County Commission for Women.

Roundtable Discussion on Gender Pay Gap

Separately, Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf hosted a roundtable discussion on the gender pay gap at the governor’s residence.

Mrs. Wolf, together with the members of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, business leaders, lawmakers and advocates focused their discussions on the need for enacting policies to protect women from gender-based pay discrimination.

According to Mrs. Wolf, “When women are paid just 79 cents on the dollar of what men are paid, we have a real problem. And the problem is even worse for women of color, with African-American women making just 63 cents on the dollar of what men are paid.”

She believes that equal pay for equal work is achievable in Pennsylvania if all stakeholders work together.