House approves minimum wage increase

SPRINGFIELD – Minimum-wage earners statewide could soon see a pay increase under a proposal approved by the House on Thursday that raises the minimum wage to $15 by January 2025. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) negotiated the measure that would give hardworking families a much-needed raise.

“We’re one step closer to bringing stability to a population that was neglected during the previous administration,” Lightford said. “As basic needs become increasingly more expensive, we have a responsibility to ensure working people are being compensated for being the force that keeps business moving.”

Senate Bill 1 would increase the minimum wage to:

• $9.25 per hour on January 1, 2020
• $10 per hour on July 1, 2020
• $11 per hour on January 1, 2021
• $12 per hour on January 1, 2022
• $13 per hour on January 1, 2023
• $14 per hour on January 1, 2024
• $15 per hour on and after January 1, 2025

Illinois’ current minimum wage is $8.25 per hour. A single parent working a full-time minimum-wage job qualifies for food stamps, Medicaid and often housing assistance. A $15 per hour minimum wage would lessen single parents’ and families’ reliance on assistance.

The measure also increases the minimum wage for individuals under the age of 18 but at a slower pace, going from $8 on Jan. 1, 2020 to $13 on Jan. 1, 2022.
Under Illinois law, workers who receive tips, like servers and delivery drivers, receive 60 percent of minimum wage and receive the rest in tips or are supplemented by their employer. That dynamic will mean the tipped wage would increase to $9 per hour by 2025.
The measure now heads to the governor for final approval.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted a Town Hall Discussion on Cannabis Legalization on Monday at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Participants heard from a panel of advocates and experts on the process of legalizing cannabis for recreational use in Illinois.

Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago), sponsor of the current proposal, gave a presentation on the potential financial impact on the state and how some of the revenue could be used to support communities most affected by the war on drugs.

Kareem Kenytta from the Marijuana Policy Project joined Steans to speak more deeply on the effect current policy has on social justice in the black community and possible opportunities in the cannabis industry for individuals from historically over-policed communities.

Daniel Pettigrew with business group Viola shared his experience with the small business aspect of legalizing cannabis, and Donte Townsend with advocacy group Chicago NORML spoke about access for black businesses and possible issues people could face if they choose to use recreational marijuana once legalized.

SPRINGFIELD – Minimum-wage earners statewide could soon see a pay increase under a proposal approved by the Senate on Thursday that raises the minimum wage to $15 by January 2025. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) directed efforts that would give hardworking families a much-needed raise.

“The people who keep businesses going deserve a salary that allows them to take care of their financial responsibilities whether is taking care of a family, paying off student loans or simply covering their basic needs,” Lightford said.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) will host a Town Hall Discussion on Cannabis Legalization on Monday, February 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Garfield Park Conservatory.