Montgomery County celebrates Equal Pay Day with progress on pay equity legislation

The Montgomery County Council session on March 25, 2025, focused on the observance of Equal Pay Day, highlighting ongoing efforts to address wage disparities in the region. The meeting underscored the importance of fair compensation for all workers, particularly women, who, on average, earn significantly less than their male counterparts.

Council members and community representatives gathered to discuss the implications of the gender pay gap, which stands at 86 cents for every dollar earned by men in Maryland. The situation is even more pronounced for women of color, with Black women earning 67 cents and Latina women earning just 50 cents for every dollar. These statistics reflect a broader issue of inequity that persists across various sectors and demographics.

Council Member Glass recounted personal experiences that led to the introduction of the Montgomery County Pay Equity Act in 2019, which prohibits employers from asking about salary history during the hiring process. This legislation aims to ensure that all new hires are compensated based on the job's value rather than previous earnings. Since its implementation, the county has reportedly eliminated pay discrepancies for new employees.

The session featured testimonies from various community leaders and advocates who emphasized the need for continued efforts toward achieving pay equity. Tracy Anderson, Chief Human Resources Officer for Montgomery County, noted that the county is close to achieving pay equity across all demographics, highlighting the importance of fair wages for attracting and retaining talent.

The council also issued a proclamation recognizing March 25 as Equal Pay Day, calling on local businesses and government leaders to foster equitable workplaces. The proclamation serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for wage equality and the need for systemic change to eliminate pay disparities.

As the meeting concluded, Council Member Glass and other attendees expressed gratitude for the progress made while acknowledging that the journey toward full pay equity is far from over. The council's commitment to this cause reflects a broader movement aimed at ensuring fair compensation for all workers in Montgomery County and beyond.