Pay Equity Gains Momentum

April 19, 2018

The state House of Representatives took a step Thursday toward closing the gender wage gap and ensuring women earn equal pay for equal work by passing House Bill 5386.

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 prohibit employers from asking prospective employees about their previous wages, now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.The gender wage gap affects families at all income levels and all professions. 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.

By strengthening pay equity legislation that has been on the books since 1963, we can ensure that women earn a salary that is reflective of their qualifications and skill-set, not their gender. I am proud to support efforts that will create equitable opportunities for all and help our businesses hire and retain a more diverse workforce.