Illinois' minimum wage just went up to $8.25 an hour in January, the third highest in the nation. But State Senator Kimberly Lightford's (D-Westchester) thinks that's not enough. With the help of unions like the AFL-CIO, she wants to pressure a minimum wage hike up to $10.65/hour and higher. The question is how much, Senator, would be enough?
From Illinois Statehouse News:
Under Senate Bill 1565, the current minimum wage would be increased by 50-cents an hour plus inflation each year, so it would gradually be restored to its historic value. By 2014, Illinois’ minimum wage would climb to $10.65. And after 2014, the rate would be annually adjusted to keep up with the cost of living.
It's all about the workers, and nothing about the state's small business owners already struggling to keep the ones they have on the payroll ...
“As we go forward, I want to make sure that minimum wage workers … are not ignored and that they are not forgotten,” Lightford said. “Their issues and rights need to be a part the discussion. Senate Bill 1565 will help to keep this important issue on the table as members of the General Assembly work to keep Illinois competitive and fair for business and for workers. Workers have to be included in discussions as we move forward working on the business climate.”
