A pay equity bill sponsored by Rep. Derek Slap of West Hartford (D-19th) was featured at Girl Scouts Day at the State Capitol.

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Rep. Derek Slap of West Hartford joined Girl Scouts from across Connecticut at Girl Scouts Day at the Capitol Monday. Slap – who introduced a pay equity bill that’s quickly gaining support – was invited as part of the group’s efforts to educate girls about the legislative process and how to advocate for their rights.

“I’m honored that the Girl Scouts invited me to talk about this important issue with them,” said Slap. “My message to them is simple – the gender wage gap exists, it’s unfair and together we can do something about it.”

Slap told the dozens of Girl Scouts how, if nothing is done, they will most likely spend their entire careers being paid less than men doing the same job. House Bill 5210, introduced by Slap and supported by many legislators, would help to close the gender wage gap by prohibiting employers from asking job seekers how much they currently make. Evidence shows that women disproportionately carry lower salaries from one job to the next; HB 5210 would break the cycle.

The proposed legislation also protects workers – whose pay is based on seniority – from being penalized for utilizing parental or family/medical leave. HB 5210 is modeled on legislation in Massachusetts that was passed unanimously last year and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Samantha Goodman, development coordinator with Girl Scouts of Connecticut, said “It’s very important to the Girl Scouts that girls are worthy of earning the same pay as men.” Goodman added that the “girls seemed very fired-up” in reaction to Slap’s remarks about the pay equity legislation and were shocked to learn “that the United States was 18th in the world when it came to pay equity.”

“I was always familiar with this topic, it was a topic that interested me,” said Girl Scout Kennedy Williams of Glastonbury. She added, “I know my representative personally, I’m going to talk to him and get this bill to pass.”

“The gender wage gap hurts families and our economy,” said Slap. “I’m working hard and talking to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in hopes of passing a bipartisan bill that Connecticut can be proud of.”

HB 5210 has been approved by the Labor Committee and is expected to be taken up by the Judiciary Committee before reaching the floor of the House.

Rep. Derek Slap of West Hartford speaks to Girl Scouts about a pay equity bill he proposed. Submitted photo