Robyn A. Porter

State Rep. Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, led House passage of a bill Thursday that would help close the gender wage gap and ensure women earn equal pay for equal work.

House Bill 5386, “An Act Concerning Various Pay Equity and Fairness Matters,” passed the state House of Representatives with bipartisan support in a 142 to 4 vote. The legislation, which would help ensure women earn equal pay for equal work, now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.

In Connecticut, women working full-time earn 83-cents for every dollar paid to men. Each year, Connecticut women lose a combined $5.5 billion due to the wage gap.

“Half of the state’s college-educated workers are women. While the gender wage gap is an issue that touches every woman regardless of her background, age or education level, women of color are disproportionately affected. African American women earn 59-cents and Latinas are paid 48-cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. In many Connecticut households, women are the breadwinners for their families and children. Strengthening pay equity legislation that has been on the books since 1963 ensures that women earn a salary that is reflective of their qualifications and skill-set, not their gender. By passing this legislation, we can create equitable opportunities for all and help our businesses hire and retain a more diverse workforce,” said Porter.

Under this legislation, employers would be prohibited from asking prospective employees about their previous wages.

“The time is long overdue to close the gender wage gap. With the passage of this bill, $5.5 billion more will be put back into the pockets of Connecticut families. Strengthening pay equity legislation will not only help lift our low-wage workers out of poverty, but it will also give our residents disposable income to put back into our economy and support our businesses, especially our small businesses. This legislation is not only the moral and good thing to do; it will also help raise the revenues needed to steady the state’s bottom line without increasing the tax burden that is placed on our residents. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, our staunch advocates, and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, who contributed their time and expertise in getting this language done. Here’s to all the women who have been underpaid. Today is your pending payday,” said Porter.