1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the reintroduction of a uniform pay transparency rule for all workers in Virginia. A standardized pay transparency measure would promote fairness and equity across all sectors, ensuring that workers have equal access to the compensation information they need to make informed decisions. The Pay Gap Issue Studies show that significant pay gaps persist in the workforce, especially between men and women, as well as across different racial and ethnic groups. According to a 2023 study by PayScale, after accounting for factors such as job type, experience, and location, the controlled pay gap between men and women in the U.S. remains over 8%. Furthermore, research from the American Association of University Women found that one year after college graduation, the pay gap widens to 24% between white men and Latina women. Current State of Pay Transparency Laws In the absence of a federal pay transparency rule, the current patchwork of state and local pay transparency laws creates compliance challenges for businesses. As reported by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 21 states have implemented varying pay transparency laws. These range from requiring employers to disclose pay ranges to applicants to publishing detailed pay data across demographics. However, these laws are inconsistent and do not provide the clarity needed to effectively address pay disparities. The Case for a Virginia Standard A uniform standard for pay transparency in Virginia—one that mandates compensation transparency from the outset of the hiring process—would help level the playing field for job seekers. It would allow applicants to negotiate from an informed position and prevent pay disparities from emerging in the first place. Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that greater pay transparency is associated with decreased gender wage gaps and higher job satisfaction. By fostering openness in compensation, we can create workplaces that are not only more ethical and accountable but also more inclusive and equitable. Economic and Workforce Benefits Additionally, prioritizing pay transparency could have significant benefits for Virginia's economy. As federal layoffs continue to impact workers across the nation, creating a more transparent job market in Virginia will encourage greater competition among employers, leading to increased job opportunities. Companies that clearly display the full compensation and position budgets will attract top talent, contributing to a more dynamic and growing economy. Conclusion I urge you to prioritize reintroducing state pay transparency obligations in Virginia. This policy will help close discriminatory pay gaps, improve job satisfaction, and foster a more inclusive, fair, and competitive job market. Let’s work together to ensure that Virginia remains a leader in supporting equal opportunity and fairness in the workplace. Thank you for your time and consideration.