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House Overrides Rauner On Salary History

Illinois State Capitol
NPR Illinois

Legislation meant to address the gender pay gap is one step closer to becoming law.

The Illinois House voted Wednesday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the measure.

It would prohibit employers from asking about salary history during the hiring process.

Rep. Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, says wage disparity was a big issue when she entered the workforce in 1978 — and still is today.

“Ladies and gentlemen here in the chamber, if you have a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a wife, a daughter, an auntie, or a niece who’s in the wage-earning private sector, you need to be a ‘yes' on this vote," she said.

Other Republicans said it would impose additional burdens on businesses.

Rauner is urging lawmakers to take up an approach developed in Massachusetts. But backers of the Illinois legislation say that would leave too many loopholes.

The measure still has to get through the Illinois Senate before it would become law.

Brian Mackey hosts The 21st Show and formerly reported on state government.
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