Rep. Lilly Urges Passage of Equal Pay Bill for Illinois Contractors

Submitted by the office of Rep. Camille Lilly.

Springfield, IL - In an effort to reach pay equity for men and women, state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, is a sponsoring House Bill 4034, which would require Illinois contractors to possess an equal pay certificate from the Department of Employment Security.

“This legislation is another opportunity for us to modernize our fair pay policies from our state entities, requiring their compliance with existing state and federal laws,” said Lilly. “This bill will ensure pay equity for our women who are performing equal work to their male counterparts.”

If enacted, House Bill 4034 amends the State Finance Act by creating the Equal Pay Certificate Fund that will authorize the Department of Employment Security to issue the equal pay certificates. Upon the bill’s passage, state contractors will need to apply for a certificate, and within 15 days of applying the certificates will be issued or rejected by the Department of Employment Security. The certificates can also be revoked by the Department if businesses forgo state and federal fair pay policies.

Obtaining a certificate depends upon bidders’ compliance with existing state and federal equal pay policies, including federal laws related to equal pay and the Illinois Human Rights Act. In order to maintain businesses’ adherence to equal pay laws, the Department of Employment Security may request pay information and perform audits. For every odd numbered year, the Department of Employment Security shall report on all certificates issued, audits performed and the process by which contractors comply with this new law.

“This is a commonsense bill that asks our state contractors to conduct their businesses fairly with all of their employees, treating their female employees with the respect they deserve,” added Lilly. “It is a shame that deliberation on this issue is required, but should this bill become law it will right a past wrong, and so, I urge my colleagues to consider passing this bill.”

Lilly represents the 78th District, which includes parts of Chicago, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Franklin Park, Oak Park, and River Grove. If you need to contact her office, please call 773-473-7300 or email her at StateRepCamilleYLilly@gmail.com.