* Raquel Martin at WCIA TV…

In honor of Equal Pay Day, women took to the Capitol to fight a decades-old battle for equal wages.

They say women deserve equality under the law and they’re calling on lawmakers to rise up and join the movement. One major way is by adopting the Equal Rights Amendment, found in the U.S. Constitution.

Simply put, the amendment protects someone from being discriminated against on the basis of gender and ensures equal rights for men and women.

Since it passed Congress in the 70’s, 37 states have adopted it. Illinois is not one of them. In fact, it’s the only northern state which hasn’t done so.

It takes 38 states for an amendment to become part of the Constitution. That’s why, Tuesday, women’s rights’ advocates were pushing for Illinois to be the final piece of the puzzle.

* Raquel Martin…

Dozens went to the Capitol Tuesday to call on lawmakers to put children first.

Several child advocacy groups met with lawmakers for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. They say they want full funding for programs like childcare and early childhood education.

The governor’s budget would slash childcare assistance funding by $96 million. Some say it’s unfair. Enrollment for childcare has dropped since Governor Bruce Rauner changed eligibility requirements.

* Raquel Martin…

Sometimes, taking daily medication is a matter of life or death. But, some healthcare providers are taking advantage of that and putting lives in danger.

Now, lawmakers are tackling the problem from all angles. One bill would stop insurers from switching drugs offered in a patient’s plan.

Several healthcare professionals who support the move say “bait and switch” is unfair and unhealthy. They say, when people sign up for healthcare plans, they should get exactly the drugs their bodies need and already rely on.

Monday, the idea came to a committee hearing, but not without some backlash. Business groups say the change could hike prices for employers.