SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) blasted Gov. Quinn's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour over the next four years.
"Illinois has the 4th highest minimum wage in the nation and has increased dramatically since 2003 and the result has been more teens out of work than ever, especially minorities. Another minimum wage hike will only hurt those who are looking for a job and those who employ them in this challenging economy," said David Vite, President & CEO of the Association. "It's rather disappointing that Governor Quinn is supporting another job-killing proposal instead of focusing on solving our budget crisis and our bankrupt pension system. On behalf of the 23,000 retail stores across Illinois, we hope Springfield doesn't divert its attention from the real job at hand."
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates Illinois teen unemployment to be around 25% and nearing 50 % in the City of Chicago. According to a study completed by researchers at Northeastern University entitled "The Persistent Depression in the Teen Labor Market in Illinois in Recent Years," only 8.7 percent of black teens in Chicago were employed in 2010-2011. The rate for Asian teens was 15.5 %, Hispanic was at 20% and white teen employment was at 21%.
According to the National Restaurant Association, an increase in minimum wage often forces employers to eliminate jobs, cut staff hours or increase prices. Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin have minimum wage rates of $7.25 while Iowa is $7.35.
And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois' overall unemployment rate is 8.7%, higher than surrounding states. A minimum wage hike would only make us less competitive than our neighbors.
- Indiana - 8.2%
- Iowa - 4.9%
- Missouri - 6.7%
- Wisconsin - 6.6%
