Progressive Women’s Caucus introduced legislation to combat wage discrimination
LANSING, Mich., March 20, 2025 — House Democratic members of the Progressive Women’s Caucus held a press conference today to discuss the introduction of their Pay Equity Package to help end wage discrimination in Michigan. The package comes just days ahead of All Women’s Equal Pay Day, marking concrete action from House Democrats to stand up for every Michiganders’ right to equal pay.
“This package is rooted in the truth that every person, regardless of gender, deserves to be paid equally and fairly,” said state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). “We cannot continue to allow the pay gap to harm the hardworking women of our state, and our economy’s potential. Many Michiganders are struggling to make ends meet and dealing with higher costs — pay equity is one way to combat this economic issue. Additionally, ending wage discrimination will make Michigan a place where innovators, fresh perspectives and leaders can grow.”
“We took action today to build a Michigan where fairness isn’t just a talking point — it’s the law,” said state Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley). “The bottom line is that the pay system in our state has never been fair and has left women and people of color behind for too long. When a person earns the opportunity to move ahead, this package will help ensure that no employer’s prejudice or discrimination can hold them back.”
The 10-bill package takes a multi-pronged approach to tackling pay gaps in Michigan, with the gender pay gap being one of the largest to close. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that while women make up over 50% of Michigan’s population, women still earn only 85 cents to every dollar a man does.
“It is unconscionable that pay gaps for women, and especially women of color, continue to persist in workplaces across Michigan,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Every person deserves to be valued for their work, and Michigan will only grow stronger by paying every worker fairly. I am proud to sponsor a bill that requires employers to earn a fair paycheck workplace certificate, ensuring that they demonstrate their commitment to pay equity.”
“At the end of the day, this package is about fairness, dignity and economic justice,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit). “My bill will strengthen penalties for wage discrimination based on gender, sending a clear message to employers that their business cannot profit off of discrimination and the systematic underpaying of women — which disproportionately negatively affects women of color.”
Legislation in the package aims to decrease pay inequities by increasing salary transparency between employers and their prospective employees, requiring employers to obtain fair wage certification and prohibiting employers from discouraging employees from discussing their wages. The package would also give employees the tools to fight back against wage discrimination, such as giving workers the ability to anonymously report it through the Civil Rights Division.
“The bills in this package will collectively ensure that Michigan’s law matches our values — your paycheck should reflect your skills and your contributions, nothing else,” said state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Twp.). “Michigan’s workers need transparent pay systems that depend on seniority, merit and production quality and quantity, not those that perpetuate discrimination.”
“In 2024, women in Michigan earned just 85 cents for every dollar earned by men. This persistent wage gap holds back families, communities and our entire economy. It’s time to close that gap and ensure every Michigander has a fair shot at success,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “That’s why I introduced legislation to combat wage discrimination in Michigan. I look forward to working with the PWC on this important package of bills, bringing us closer to a future where equal work truly means equal pay.”
“For too long, women in Michigan — particularly mamas of color — have faced systemic barriers to economic equality in the workplace. At Mothering Justice, we’ve heard countless stories from mamas struggling to support their families while being underpaid and undervalued,” said members from Mothering Justice. “This comprehensive pay equity package represents a crucial step forward in creating transparent, fair workplaces where mamas can thrive. We urge lawmakers to move swiftly to pass this vital legislation and demonstrate that Michigan values the work and worth of all its residents.”
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