Buried in an avalanche of bill signings today–17 total–the governor OK’d an unheralded measure that creates an 11-member “pay equity” commission within the Department of Labor and Employment.

The commission formed by House Bill 1417, which received little media attention during its trip through the General Assembly, will meet to address issues surrounding equal pay in the workplace for women, minorities, and people of color.  The stated goals for the commission are to educate employers, study other states, create a pay equity recognition program, and to establish Colorado as a model state for equal pay issues.

The bill is being lauded by Democratic lawmakers as a step forward for women and minorities but derided by Republicans as just another affront to Colorado businesses already reeling from legislative battles during the recently concluded 2010 session.

The House GOP’s Cheri Gerou, of Evergreen, said that businesses don’t need advice or a mandate handed down from the legislature, which is why she and other Republicans voted against HB 1417 when it came to the House floor.

“I’m really concerned because we need to take care of business right now, and I don’t think this bill is business-friendly,” said Gerou. “This is just symptomatic of everything that’s gone wrong this year. We’re not remembering that the businesses of Colorado pay their taxes and fund the state government.  Everything that we do that makes it harder for them to function makes it harder for the state to function.”

For the Democratic bill sponsors, however, Rep.Cherylin Penniston, of Westminster, and Sen. Suzanne Williams, of Aurora, equal pay for women is paramount to the well being of the state and non-negotiable.

“For Colorado’s working women, the pay gap is a daily fact of life and an insult to all professionals,” said Peniston. “Resolving pay equity issues is in the best interest of all Coloradoans.”

Williams emphasized the portion of the bill that seeks to make Colorado a leader among states regarding equal pay.

“It is vital that we close the gaps in salary and make Colorado an example in regards to equal pay,” said Williams.

Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter echoed that theme today as he signed the bill into law.

“We will not continue to tolerate anything less than equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender,” said Ritter.

The commission must be formed within 90 days and report its recommendations to both the House and Senate business committees.  Its members, chosen for the most part by the legislative Democratic majority, include:

• The executive director of the Department of Labor and Employment;
• The Department of Regulatory services director of Civil Rights;
• A pay equity expert from higher-ed, appointed by the governor;
• A labor union leader and a member of a national organization serving minorities appointed by the Senate President;
• A member of a national women’s organization and labor attorney appointed by the house speaker;
• A chamber of commerce representative appointed by the Senate minority leader;
• A small-business owner appointed by the House minority leader;
• A large business owner appointed by both the majority and minority leaders.