COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Several state democrats say they will be introducing a bill to help bring equal pay to women in Ohio.

According to a release, State Reps. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) and Randi Clites (D-Ravenna) along with Reps. Erica Crawley (D-Columbus), Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) will introduce the Ohio Equal Pay Act, Tuesday.

“Ohio’s gender wage gap continues to hold back women, families and our economy. We can’t get ahead as a state if half of our workforce is undervalued and underpaid,” said Rep. Howse. “We need real, commonsense reforms to restore our promise as an opportunity state where everyone who works hard, regardless of gender, has a shot at the American Dream.”

The Ohio Equal Pay Act would:

-Prohibit gag orders on employees that keep them from talking about their salaries with one another.

-Require vendors who do business with the state to obtain an Equal Pay Certificate, certifying that women at the companies are given equal opportunity for career advancement.

-Require government entities to evaluate their employees’ pay scales to ensure compensation is based on skills, responsibilities and working conditions across job categories.

“It is long past time to empower women in the workplace to be what they are—equal,” said Rep. Clites. “Closing the gap ensures better lives, brighter futures and the opportunity for Ohio women and families to get ahead and save for the future.”

After receiving a bill number, the Ohio Equal Pay Act will be assigned to a committee for its initial hearings.