Andrade Supports Bipartisan Override of Rauner’s Veto of Equal Pay Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, joined a bipartisan effort to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation that cracks down on businesses engaging in wage discrimination.

“It pains me to think that in today’s society my daughter may not be afforded the same professional opportunities as her male counterparts,” Andrade said. “We can and must do more to reduce the wage-gap.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, which tracks annual wages, 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.

Andrade supported House Bill 2462, which makes it illegal for an employer to lock women into a lifetime of lower pay by requiring potential employees to reveal their past wage or salary during the job application process. The goal of Andrade’s proposal is to provide greater pay equity for women and minorities that have historically been paid less.

“Ending wage discrimination should be a bipartisan issue, and I’m thankful to all of my colleagues on both sides who voted to override the governor’s misguided veto,” Andrade said. “While this proposal is a step in the right direction, we must remain diligent in fighting for policy that will end discrimination in the workplace.”

House Bill 2462 is currently awaiting further action in the Senate.