The substantial disparities between the pay grades of men and women are well-documented, and the gaps between the salaries of white women and women of color in Rhode Island are equally as pronounced and troubling. This “equal pay” legislation, supported by the ACLU and many other groups, is essential to not only promote the growth of our state, but to provide economic mobility for women, and women of color in particular, who are already more likely to have lower incomes than virtually any other group. Given the negative changes which occurred to this bill as it was passed out of committee last session, which ultimately weakened both the bill and equal pay protections in our current law, we urged the swift passage of this bill as written, with no amendments. The Senate passed S 509, but this legislation died in the House.
Equal Pay (H 5659, S 509)
Sponsors
Representative Susan Donovan and Senator Gayle Goldin
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