A showdown between 2 Democratic measures to help close the wage gap ended with senators rejecting one that was considered to be more business friendly. The Senate Labor Committee voted 11 to 6 in favor to approve a legislation prohibiting employers from asking applicants their salary history. It will have stiffer penalties for violators than the one supported by business interests. The legislation is considered a pay-equity plan, with base pay on salary history that can hurt women. They often spend time outside of the workforce for family reason that are not applicable to men. Democratic Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin is the bill sponsor, where she stated that the penalties in her bill will keep businesses accountable. Castro’s measure will now head to the Senate for consideration.