SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

Peters’ law strengthens two of Illinois’ most important worker protection laws: the Equal Pay Act and the Prevailing Wage Act. Under previous law, only certain businesses had to report whether they pay workers fairly based on gender and race. Under Peters’ new law, all businesses covered by state law have to submit a clear statement to the Department of Labor showing they are not underpaying women or people of color doing the same jobs as others.

The law also locks in how the state defines job categories to ensure employers cannot shift the goalposts if federal rules change. For workers in construction and other trades, the law makes sure companies do not cut corners on benefits – clarifying full benefits must be included when figuring out what a worker is owed.

“We want our workers to feel dignified and safe when they’re at work, and with this law, Illinois is making it clear all businesses will be held to the same standard and all workers will be treated with respect,” said Peters.

House Bill 2488 was signed into law Monday. It goes into effect immediately.