Newman backs bill aiming to eliminate pay disparities between men and women

U.S. Rep. Marie Newman voted to pass legislation aimed at strengthening the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and eliminating pay disparities between men and women.

Newman, D-La Grange, backed the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would guarantee that women can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable for any disparities, according to a news release.

“The wage gap between men and women isn’t just a national issue – it’s a local problem. In IL-03 [Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District], women earn just 82 cents for every $1 earned by men,” Newman said in the release. “And for just women of color – this pay gap is even worse.”

The bill includes Newman’s proposed amendment, which would require employers to display a poster in their workplace and on their employment website to ensure workers understand their rights under the Paycheck Fairness Act. The poster must either be prepared or approved by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Secretary of Labor, according to the release.

“Passing this legislation would not be enough alone; we also have to ensure workers are aware of their rights under this legislation,” she said in the release. “That is why my amendment in this bill requires employers to display a poster in their workplace and on their employment website, so workers clearly understand their rights under this act.”