JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton Host Black Women's Equal Pay Day Lunch

Statement

Today, JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton hosted a lunch in Chicago to recognize Black Women's Equal Pay Day. They joined women union members at Taste 222 to discuss their plans to eliminate the pay gap and how they'll prioritize workplace equality and advancement in Springfield.

"It is unacceptable that black women make 63 cents for every dollar a white man makes and work twice as long to receive the same compensation," said JB Pritzker. "Lower pay has drastic consequences on many minority families, especially ones where black women are the only parent in their households. We must make equal pay a reality -- it provides for children and families, enriches communities, and strengthens the entire economy. It's time we raise awareness about this egregious disparity, elect candidates committed to pay equity, and close the wage gap once and for all."

"On Black Women's Equal Pay Day, we acknowledge the progress we've made while also knowing we have real work ahead," said State Representative Juliana Stratton. "We must stand up and say 63 cents on the dollar is an insult to hardworking black women across our state and country. We can't let employers discriminate against workers, engage in gender and race-based bias, and lack pay transparency anymore. We must keep fighting for our seat at the table, get policy made with us, and break down barriers preventing us from equal pay. It won't be easy, but JB and I will fight every day for you."

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