Crespo Fights for Equal Pay, Argues Men and Women are Equal in Workplace

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, is sponsoring legislation declaring April 4 as “Pay Equity Day”. This day will demonstrate how far women must work into a year to receive equal pay to their male counterparts.

“At a time where women are faced with unusual challenges and obstacles that they are being forced to overcome, it is important to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect the rights of women,” Crespo said. “Women work incredibly hard and deserve to be treated and paid equally.”

Crespo is sponsoring House Resolution 124 to declare April 4 as “Pay Equity Day”. Pay Equity Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gender gap in wages. The Census Bureau, which tracks annual wages, found women who worked full-time, year-round in 2016 made 79 cents for every dollar men earned across the country. This comparison includes all male and female workers regardless of occupation.

“Illinois has been a progressive state in many areas, and should continue to be when it comes to women’s rights,” Crespo said.  “I hope that we continue to move in the right direction as a state, pushing for equal pay regardless of gender. Women contribute in a variety of ways to the state and should be paid appropriately.”