CELEBRATING HOUSE PASSAGE OF WAGE RANGE DISCLOSURE BILL

[Molinaro, Rosanna]

4/28/26       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

                                              

                    

CELEBRATING HOUSE PASSAGE OF WAGE RANGE DISCLOSURE BILL

 

 

HARTFORD-State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford/Newington), Rep. Hilda E. Santiago (D-Meriden), Rep. Kai Belton (D-Middletown), and Rep. Eleni Kavros-DeGraw (D-Avon/Canton) celebrate the passage of HB 5003: An Act Concerning Workforce Development and Working Conditions in the State, which supports workers and employers by requiring the disclosure of wage ranges and benefits on public and internal job advertisements.

 

"With the passage of this bill, our state takes another meaningful step toward closing gender and racial wage gaps by requiring greater transparency of wages and benefits. Clear expectations about pay and benefits in all job postings empowers all workers to negotiate fair compensation,” said Rep. Kate Farrar, “As a former employer myself, this also saves time and money in the hiring process and helps employee retention.”

 

“As a strong advocate for pay equity, I am encouraged by the progress this legislation represents, particularly its requirement for transparency in wage ranges and benefits in job postings,” said Rep. Hilda E. Santiago. “Although significant work remains to eliminate pay disparities, this measure marks significant progress toward a more equitable workforce.”

 

“This is about making sure people are paid what they deserve—plain and simple,” Rep. Kai Belton said. “Wage transparency shines a light on inequities that have impacted women, especially Black women, for far too long. I’m proud to support a step forward toward real fairness in the workplace.”

 

"Wage transparency is one of the key elements to ensuring that women are receiving equal pay for equal work,” Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw said. “And beyond that, wage transparency benefits everyone, including employers.”

 

Connecticut’s women working full time, year-round typically make only 83 cents to the dollar of men. The gender gap is more severe for Black women (59 cents), and Latina women (49 cents) compared to white men in our state. Connecticut ranks 22nd in the nation for its wage gap, highlighting ongoing income inequality. For the first time since 1960, the wage gap has widened for two years in a row.

 

The disclosure of wage ranges and benefits in job advertisements is a practical step for Connecticut to help close persistent gender and racial wage gaps. With final passage of this legislation, Connecticut will join ten other states that have a similar requirement for job postings. In current law, employers are prohibited from asking about an employee’s wage history or penalizing employees who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their own wage rate or the wage rate of another employee who voluntarily disclosed it. Wage and benefit transparency promotes the financial stability of our residents, strengthens families, and contributes to a more equitable and competitive state economy. House Bill 5003 now moves to the Senate for passage.

 

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Rose Molinaro Press Aide House Democrats    210 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106  Cell: (860) 994-8594