Democratic lawmakers have proposed a pay equity bill that’s become a perennial in recent two-year General Assembly sessions.
State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) has introduced a similar bill a few times, and they’ve never gotten more than one hearing. This time, state Rep. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) is joining her on the billthat would require companies that do business with the state to file a document that assures men and women are paid equally for the same work.
“Our job as legislators, in my humble opinion, is to create the quality of life all women deserve and if we can do that with a piece of legislation, that is exactly what we are here to do," Miranda says.
The bill also requires state agencies to ensure pay is equitable and protect workers who provide information about pay equity. A new addition in this bill is that it prohibits employers from asking for previous salary information in the hiring process.
