Harper Overrides Rauner’s Veto That Reduces Wage-Gap

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, joined Democratic and Republican legislators in the Illinois House to override Governor Rauner’s veto of an equal pay bill that is aimed at ending pay discrepancies between men and women in Illinois.

“The governor’s veto was reckless, and now he stands on the wrong side of history,” said Harper. “I worked with House Democrats and Republicans to prove to Rauner that women do not deserve to be unfairly paid for who they are, rather on their character and merits in the workplace.”

Harper supported the override of House Bill 2462, which seeks to modernize state law that requiring employers to pay women the same as equally qualified men performing the same job. Harper’s legislation prevents employers from asking job seekers about their previous wage earnings, a practice that has historically locked women into lower pay categories. Her measure also bars companies from requiring employees to sign contracts that would prevent them from discussing their salary. The override garnered bipartisan support, and now moves to the Illinois Senate.

“Overriding the governor was the right thing to do and sends a message to the hard working women in Illinois that they deserve the exact same pay as the men they work with,” said Harper. “This is especially helpful to women of color who earn even less than other women they work with.”