Halpin-Backed Equal Pay Measure Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, cracking down on discriminatory practices used to unfairly pay women less than men is now law.

“Women deserve equal pay for equal work. That should be a given, but the problem of salary discrimination is sadly persistent,” Halpin said. “There are still problematic employers who seem determined to ensure that women don’t get the compensation they are owed, and that takes a toll on entire families. This new law goes to the heart of the problem by banning the unfair practices used to perpetuate workplace inequality.”

Halpin voted to pass House Bill 834, which prohibits employers from requiring prospective employees submit a salary history during the interview process. Basing wages on an employees’ previous salary instead on their qualifications disadvantages women and others who have historically been paid less. The measure received bipartisan support and was recently signed into law.

Cherita Ellens, CEO of Women Employed, voiced her support for the law.

“We are proud to say that in Illinois, a woman’s salary will now be based on her skills, her experience, and the requirements of the job—and not on her past wages,” Ellens said. “This will go a long way towards eliminating the wage gap, and will also lift up our communities and local economy.”