Costa Howard Calls for Signature on Measure to Fight Gender Wage Disparity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure sponsored by state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, that would bring Illinois women one step closer to pay equity by banning salary history from job applications has been sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for consideration.

“When men and women do the same job, they should be paid the same wage,” said Costa Howard. “The practice of prospective employers asking for wage history often locks women into career-long pay inequity. I’m proud to have passed this legislation, which provides a simple, commonsense fix to help make sure women in every workplace get paid fairly.”

Costa Howard’s House Bill 834 amends the Illinois Equal Pay Act by prohibiting employers from screening job applicants based on their salary history or requiring applicants to reveal their salary history as a condition of employment. In addition, prospective employers will not be allowed to ask current or former employers about the applicant’s salary history.

“The gender wage gap is still alive and well, but my legislation will strengthen the Illinois Equal Pay Act by banning employers from asking job applicants about their prior salary. Now a woman will not face a lifetime of unfair pay because she accepted a low salary early in her career,” continued Costa Howard. “This legislation received bipartisan support from lawmakers throughout the state, so I urge the governor to stand up for Illinois’ working women and sign this bill into law.”

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