On Thursday, February 11, the New Jersey State Senate passed legislation that requires New Jersey employers to pay workers equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender (S922).

Support for the measure was overwhelming –- 28 in favor, 4 against.

Included in the quartet not interested in leveling the workplace playing field for women is Sussex County’s State Senator Steve Oroho. He voted against the measure. Apparently laws promoting gender equality are not approved by the Koch Brothers and don’t appear in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) workbook.

The bill now goes to the State Assembly where it will undoubtedly receive enthusiastic support -- except, probably, from the balance of Sussex County’s GOP legislative team, Assemblyman Parker Space and Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus. It would be a surprise if they fail to toe the ALEC line.