Kifowit Working to End Pay Discrimination Against Women

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is fighting to end pay discrimination against women by sponsoring reforms to close the pay gap between women and men. Kifowit also recently supported a resolution declaring as April 4 “Pay Equity Day,” which symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn the same as men did the previous year.

“Pay discrimination against women is an issue that has had far-reaching consequences for our society,” Kifowit said. “Many women are the sole income providers for their family and when they are paid less simply because of their gender that has negative consequences for our families and our community.”

Kifowit is sponsoring House Resolution 124 to declare April 4 as “Pay Equity Day” in Illinois. Pay Equity Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gender gap in wages. The Census Bureau, which tracks annual wages, found women who worked full-time, year-round in 2016 made 79 cents for every dollar men earned across the country. This comparison includes all male and female workers regardless of occupation.

Kifowit is also sponsoring House Bill 2462, which prohibits employers from paying different salaries to employees who do the same job and have the same experience. Kifowit’s measure also makes it illegal for an employer to require potential employees to reveal their past wage or salary during the job application process. The goal of her legislation is to address the fact that women and minorities have historically been paid less. Massachusetts recently enacted similar legislation.

“Fighting income inequality is not just social justice issue, but it is also an economic issue,” Kifowit said. “Increasing wages for the countless numbers of women who are currently being ripped off would provide a tremendous boost for our economy by putting more money into the pockets of consumers.”