Burke Urges Governor to Sign Measure to Prevent Wage Discrimination

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign legislation cracking down on wage discrimination by requiring employers to pay the same wage to workers who have the same experience and do the same job.

“Illinois has the opportunity to take a stand for the rights of women and ensure female employees are paid fairly,” Burke said. “Wage discrimination is an issue that affects all of society, because it prevents many from reaching the middle class.”

House Bill 2462 prohibits employers from paying different salaries to employees who do the same job and have the same experience. Burke’s measure also makes it illegal for an employer to require potential employees to reveal their past wage or salary during the job application process. The goal of her legislation is to address the fact that women have historically been paid less. Massachusetts and the City of Philadelphia recently enacted similar legislation.

House Bill 2462 passed the General Assembly and now awaits final approval by Rauner.

“Women who have the same experience and do the same job deserve the same pay,” Burke said. “I am urging the governor to do the right thing and sign this measure into law, so all women can be protected in the workplace.”