Ohio currently does not guarantee equal pay for equal work under state law, leaving many workers without clear protections against wage disparities.

Every day, people across Ohio show up, work hard, and do their jobs with dedication. But too often, workers—especially women—can still be paid less than others doing the same work. That’s not just unfair; it puts real strain on families trying to make ends meet.

Equal pay isn’t a partisan issue. It’s a basic standard of fairness.

When someone does the same job with the same responsibilities, their paycheck should reflect their work—not their gender. For women across Ohio, the lack of clear statewide protections means uncertainty, fewer resources for their families, and fewer opportunities to get ahead.

And this issue doesn’t exist in isolation. Gender equality is closely tied to broader civil rights, including fairness and dignity for LGBTQ Ohioans, who can also face workplace inequities. Ensuring equal pay helps build a stronger, more inclusive economy where everyone has a fair shot.

We are calling on the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Mike DeWine to enact clear, enforceable equal pay protections that ensure workers are compensated fairly for the work they do.

This is about supporting Ohio families and strengthening the workforce. Lawmakers have an opportunity to lead with common sense and shared values: hard work should pay off equally for everyone.

Ohio workers deserve transparency, accountability, and fairness in their paychecks. It’s time to make that expectation the law—not the exception.