Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Shusterman’s Equal Pay Bill approved by House

Shusterman’s Equal Pay Bill approved by House

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    May 5, 2025 | 3:21 PM

HARRISBURG, May 5 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is excited to announce that her legislation, House Bill 630, passed the state House of Representatives today.

House Bill 630 would prohibit employers from paying workers less because of their gender, race or ethnicity and protect employees from retaliation in any wage discrimination matters. Additionally, the bill would curtail the practice by prospective employers of using salary history in pay-setting decisions for new employment.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2023, women in Pennsylvania were paid an average of 80.9% of what men were paid. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research says that if women in Pennsylvania were given equal pay for equal work, it is projected that the number of working women and single mothers living in poverty in our Commonwealth could be reduced by nearly 40%.

“To attract and keep our workforce, Pennsylvania must ensure we are competitive with our neighbors,” Shusterman said. “Currently, the pay gap in the Commonwealth trails not only behind the national average, but also behind five of our six neighboring states. The pay gap leads to less income for women to support their families. It also means women experience higher rates of poverty, lower financial earnings over a lifetime, and less money saved for retirement than their male colleagues. It’s past time that our Commonwealth ensures all Pennsylvania workers receive equal pay for equal work.”

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.