Boston -- Frances Perkins grew up in Worcester and went on to become the first woman in a presidential cabinet, serving under Franklin Delano Roosevelt, fighting for laborer’s rights.

The bill Gov. Maura Healey signed on Tuesday bears her name and honors those women who broke barriers. 

The wage transparency bill requires most companies to include the salary range in job postings. It also requires companies to report wage data to the state. 

“Gender and racial gaps in representation and wages exist in every state, but Massachusetts is now the only state publicly reporting these gaps year after year. It's one thing to say we're for fairness and equity, but it's another to document that fairness and equity,” said former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy. 

“We will be doing that now to honor our commitment to women and people of color working here in Massachusetts, and to say to the rest of the country, look at Massachusetts, because there are real opportunities here to be treated fairly,” said Murphy, a Democrat who served with Gov. Michael Dukakis in the late 1980s and has been a pioneer for the legislation.

Her comments received a standing ovation. 

Healey said it’s this transparency that will arm women and people of color to know how much a job should pay – no matter what race or gender you are. The skills earn the salary. 

“We're also number one when it comes to women. We have been voted the best state to live in if you were a woman. This is a further example of that today,” said Healey. 

Local leaders were also thrilled the legislation was signed into law. 

”This significant step towards greater transparency ensures fairness and equality in the workplace, continuing the progress towards closing the wage gap for all,” said Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-First Worcester District).

The law takes effect 90 days after the signing. Healey signed the bill on July 31, giving companies about three months to start posting salary ranges.