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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Equal Pay Bill Heads To Oregon Governor's Desk

Chris Lehman
/
Northwest News Network

Oregon lawmakers have signed off on a measure to ensure that women will be paid the same as men. The Oregon House approved the bill Monday.

It would ban some practices that can lead to unequal pay, such as using salary history to screen job applicants. The bill would also give more legal remedies to workers who feel they're being paid unfairly.

Republican Rep. Jodi Hack said the bill was long past due.

"I, as well as many other people, have experienced pay inequity,” she said. “But it's not just about the pay. It's about recognizing people for their hard work and for their efforts, and for what they bring to the table, and for giving our employers the opportunity to step forward and to do what is right."

The Oregon Senate approved the measure last week. The vote was unanimous in both chambers. A spokesman for Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said the governor is expected to sign the bill into law next week.