Didech Applauds New Pay Equity Law Going Into Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women in Illinois will no longer face biased interview questions that have historically locked them into a lifetime of lower pay as a result of a new pay equity law backed by state Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, going into effect.

“While Donald Trump and his allies chip away at the progress we’ve made and refuse to acknowledge the priorities of women, we have worked to make Illinois a leader in championing women’s rights,” Didech said. “It is unacceptable that on average women still earn less than their male peers and this new law aims to fix that injustice.”

Didech was a vocal supporter and sponsor of House Bill 834, which aims to close the wage gap between men and women by prohibiting companies from asking a job seeker to disclose their salary history, or attempting to obtain it any other way. Given discrepancies in pay, when prospective employees are asked about their salary history it can indirectly lock them into that salary instead of a more competitive one. With the new Didech-backed law, Illinois joins states like Massachusetts, California, Delaware, and Oregon who have passed similar legislation.

“This is a necessary first step as we work to ensure equal pay for equal work is more than just a slogan,” Didech added. “I remain committed to pushing back against any radical attempt to chip away at our progress and advocating on behalf of policies that advance the priorities of Illinois women and families.”

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