August
20, 2018
To
the Honorable Members of
The
Illinois House of Representatives,
100th
General Assembly:
Today I
return House Bill 4743 by extending its application to all racial and ethnic
classes protected under Section 1-103(Q) of the Illinois Human Rights Act.
As
presented to me, this legislation prohibits pay and wage discrimination against
African-American employees in comparison to other employees for the same or
substantially similar work under similar working conditions for jobs requiring
equal skill, effort, and responsibility.
This is
a laudable goal that acknowledges the long-reaching effects of unfair pay and
wage practices. This bill works to address the harmful impact of this unequal
treatment on African-American employees, their families, and the community.
Notwithstanding clear progress that has been achieved by African-Americans
employees in Illinois, I recognize that employers must do more to stamp out pay
and wage discrimination based solely on the demographic makeup of employees.
The
intent of this legislation is to put into place enhanced statutory mandates which
would hold employers that engage in unlawful pay and wage practices against
African-Americans accountable. However, wage discrimination is not limited to
African-Americans, and other racial and ethnic groups are suffering similar
harms in their employment. They, too, are subject to unequal compensation and
salaries and are equally deserving of relief. I would be remiss if I did not
extend the substantial benefits granted African-Americans under this bill to all
racial and ethnic protected classes.
As one
of the principles to be upheld in our governing and our lawmaking, we should
always seek to see where what may be good for the few can be good for the many.
Broadening this legislation sends a message of inclusivity and fairness that
is clearly in keeping with the spirit of this bill.
Therefore,
pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I
hereby return House Bill 4743, entitled “AN ACT concerning employment,” with
the following specific recommendations for change:
By replacing page 1,
line 23 through page 2, line 7, with the following:
“No employer may discriminate between employees
by paying wages to an employee who is of a protected
class that is based on race, color, national origin, or ancestry, against
whom such practices would constitute “unlawful discrimination” under Section
1-103(Q) of the Illinois Human Rights Act, at a rate less than the rate at
which the employer pays wages to other employees who are not members of a
protected class that is based on that race, color, national origin, or ancestry
under this Act for the same or substantially similar work on jobs the
performance of which requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and
which are performed under similar working conditions, except where the payment
is made under:”
With
these changes, House Bill 4743 will have my approval. I respectfully request
your concurrence.
Sincerely,
Bruce
Rauner
GOVERNOR