Lilly Overrides Governor’s Veto for Women’s Equal Pay

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To end the pay discrepancies between men and women in Illinois, state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, joined a bipartisan effort to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of an equal pay bill.

“The governor’s decision to veto this legislation shows he is not interested in progressing equal pay and treatment of women,” said Lilly. “Women work just as hard as men and deserve to be compensated accordingly, and should not be discriminated against simply because they are women. I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that women receive the same pay as their male counterparts.”

Lilly voted to override House Bill 2462, which requires employers to pay women the same as equally qualified men performing the same job. Lilly’s legislation prevents employers from asking job seekers about their previous wage earnings, a practice that has historically locked women into lower pay categories. Her measure also bars companies from requiring employees to sign contracts that would prevent them from discussing their salary. Lilly stands committed to fight for equal pay for women who have historically faced discrimination in the workplace.

“It is unacceptable that, in the year 2017, an African-American woman who works full-time makes about 63 cents for every dollar earned by a man,” Lilly said. “When a woman is making substantially less than her male counterpart, she is put at a financial disadvantage that prevents her from providing the same opportunities for her family. I will continue to fight on behalf of women to ensure they have the necessary tools needed to be successful.”

Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Franklin Park, and Melrose Park.