IL HR0085

Declares April 2, 2019 as Pay Equity Day in Illinois to raise awareness about wage inequality between men and women.

Notes that nationally women earn 80 cents per dollar compared to men, while in Illinois women earn 78 cents per dollar; African American women earn 61 cents and Latina women earn 53 cents per dollar.

Identifies that the wage gap begins within one year after college and has long-term effects on women's economic security, retirement savings, and Social Security earnings.

Explains that Equal Pay Day, originated in 1996, symbolizes how far into the year women must work on average to earn what men earned the previous year.

Recognizes pay equity as essential to eradicating poverty and maintaining a highly-motivated workforce.