IL SR0668

Declares March 26, 2026 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois, representing the date women must work into the new year to earn what men earned the previous year.

U.S. Census data shows women working full-time year-round are paid 83% of what men earn, while all workers including part-time are paid 75%.

Recognizes multiple Equal Pay Days for different communities: AANHPI Women (April 9), LGBTQIA+ (June 17), Black Women (July 21), Moms (August 6), NHPI Women (September 15), Latina (October 8), Disabled Women (October 20), and Native Women (November 19).

Latinas face the largest documented gap at 58 cents (full-time) and 51 cents (all earners) per dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men, while disabled women all earners receive 50 cents per dollar.

Encourages Illinois citizens to learn about the gender wage gap and its long-term effects on women's Social Security earnings, retirement savings, and children's education.