QUAD CITIES (February 7, 2019) — Today, the Illinois State Senate voted to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The bill increased the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 and $13 an hour for those under 18 by 2025. The total vote was 39-18. The Quad Cities Chamber worked closely with Senator Neil Anderson to secure his “no” vote.
“We are opposed to this bill because it will hurt our regional economy,” said Paul Rumler, President and CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. “As a border community, when Illinois has a minimum wage double the amount in Iowa, it creates an uneven playing field for our businesses.”
This bill is moving fast and now is on its way to the Illinois House. The Quad Cities Chamber is working on securing protections for businesses with this bill, such as a longer ramp-up time, opportunities for tax credits, or a geographic-tiered system.
About: The Quad Cities Chamber is a champion for business and community growth in the region.
