Costa Howard Highlights New Law to Fight Gender Wage Disparity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois women are taking a major step toward pay equity under a new law, passed by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, that prohibits employers from asking job applicants about their salary history.

“Equal work deserves equal pay,” said Costa Howard. “Unfortunately, many young women accept unfairly low wages when they enter the workforce. When employers require applicants to reveal their salary histories, those early below-market wages lock women into career-long pay inequality. Now that this new, common-sense law is in effect, employers will base their salary offers on applicants’ skill and experience – no matter what wages those applicants may have received in the past.”

Costa Howard’s House Bill 834 amends the Illinois Equal Pay Act, by both prohibiting employers from requiring applicants to reveal their salary history as a condition of employment and by banning employers from asking applicants’ current or former employers about their wage histories. Costa Howard’s measure was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in July and took effect on Sept. 29.

“As a small business owner and the mother of three daughters, I am proud to stand up for Illinois’ working women and help to make sure they are paid fairly,” continued Costa Howard. “While the gender wage gap is still alive and well, this new law is a huge step forward in the fight for equal pay.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.