D’Amico-Sponsored Equal Pay Measure Now Law

CHICAGO – A reform sponsored by state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, that aims to close the wage gap by prohibiting employers from using unfair practices to force women and people of color into a lifetime of lower pay was recently signed into law.

“Every day women are paid less for doing the exact same job as men, it’s simply wrong,” D’Amico said. “Women deserve equal pay for equal work and this law is a vital step forward to help narrow the gender wage gap.”

D’Amico sponsored and helped pass House Bill 834, which updates the Equal Pay Act by prohibiting employers from requiring job candidates to submit their current wage or salary history. Given historic wage discrimination based on gender and race, banning this unfair practice will prevent a history of unfair pay from following women and minorities from job to job. Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed the bill into law.

“This law moves us forward, however there’s more work to be done to ensure to women are compensated fairly,” D’Amico said. “As a strong advocate for equal pay, I look forward to continuing to work to make equal pay a reality in Illinois.”