Mah Joins Renewed Effort to Combat Wage Discrimination

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, is fighting to crack down on corporations that pay women less than men doing the same job by sponsoring legislation that would prohibit employers from using an unfair practice that locks women and minorities into a lifetime of lower pay.

“It is unacceptable and unfair for an employer to compensate male and female employees differently when they are performing the same work, and yet it continues. Now is time to stop the practices that allow corporations to discriminate against women and people of color,” said Mah. “Women in Illinois, on average, earn 79 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts, and the wage gap is even greater for minority women. It’s beyond time we put an end to discriminatory pay practices that contribute to this disparity.” 

Mah is sponsoring House Bill 834, which amends Illinois’ Equal Pay Act to bar employers from requiring jobs applicants to submit a salary history. Given historic pay inequality, Mah believes the measure will prevent low salaries from following women and minorities from job to job. Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed identical legislation last summer, and Mah is hopeful that it can now become law.

“It is my hope that with a new administration, we can finally work together to end wage inequality in Illinois,” said Mah. “Illinois women need equal pay to provide for their families and save for the future, and we need to be doing everything we can to address ongoing wage disparities.” 

Mah is serving her second term representing the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards. For more information, please contact Rep. Mah’s district office at 872-281-5775.