Walsh Votes to Override Rauner’s Veto of Equal Pay Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Joliet, joined a bipartisan effort to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation that cracks down on businesses engaging in wage discrimination.

“Since women have historically been paid less than men for the same work, removing salary history from employment and pay consideration will help prevent a broken wage system from doubling-down on the injustices of the past,” Walsh said. “I believe in equal pay for equal work, and while this legislation will not solve all the injustices that women face in the workplace, it certainly is a step in the right direction.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, which tracks annual wages, 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.

Walsh co-sponsored House Bill 2462 which makes it illegal for an employer to lock women into a lifetime of lower pay by requiring potential employees to reveal their past wage or salary during the job application process. The goal of Walsh’s proposal is to provide greater pay equity for women and minorities that have historically been paid less.

“It’s disappointing the governor chose to side with discriminatory business interests over pay equity for women,” Walsh said. “Ending wage discrimination should not be a partisan issue, treating men and women as equals in the workplace is the right thing to do. I was proud to be part of the bipartisan coalition that voted to override the governor’s misguided veto.”