Ahead of Pay Equity Day, Yingling Pushes to Close the Gender Wage Gap

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – To close the gender pay gap that results in women earning 80 cents for every dollar man earns, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is sponsoring several initiatives aimed at closing the wage gap.

“Even in 2017, women still earn 80% of what men earn, and April 4, 2017 marks how far in to the current year a woman has to work in order to make the equivalent of what a man earned in 2016,” said Yingling. “Regardless of gender, Illinois workers should make equal pay for equal work.”

Yingling is supporting several reforms that level the playing field and ensure fair workplace practices for women.  He is supporting House Bill 3539 which would require companies that do business with the state of Illinois to affirm their compliance with state and federal equal pay laws. Yingling is also co-sponsoring House Bill 2462 to prevent employers from requiring prospective employees to disclose their salary history, a practice that advocates argue only preserves the practice of unequal pay.

“There are many challenges that working women continue to face, and it is important that our state policies strengthens protections and support everyone in the workforce,” Yingling said. “The wage gap makes it more difficult for women to gain financial independence, pursue educational and professional opportunities, and support their families.”