Villanueva reaffirms March 26 as Equal Pay Day

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois' commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois - marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

"Equal pay is about fairness, but it's also about economic stability for families and communities," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy."

Senate Resolution 668 draws attention to persistent wage disparities across gender, race and identity. On average, women must work until late March to catch up to men's prior-year earnings - but for many, the gap stretches much further.

Asian American women do not reach pay equity until April 9, while Black women must work until July 21. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women face an even wider gap, with their Equal Pay Day falling on Sept. 15. Latinas experience one of the largest disparities, not reaching parity until Oct. 8, followed by disabled women on Oct. 20 and Native women on Nov. 19. Mothers and LGBTQIA+ individuals also face significant wage gaps, with their Equal Pay Days landing on Aug. 6 and June 17, respectively.

The resolution highlights the need for continued education, awareness and policy action to address inequities that persist in workplaces across the state and country.

"Illinois has made meaningful progress, but these numbers show we still have work to do," Villanueva said. "Every worker deserves to be paid fairly for their labor, regardless of who they are. Recognizing Equal Pay Day is a reminder that equity cannot wait."

Senate Resolution 668 was adopted by the Senate Wednesday.