SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Workers statewide could see increased wages soon under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, which proposes raising Illinois' minimum wage.
"All hardworking Illinoisans deserve a fair and reasonable wage, and too many workers are left behind under current law," Smiddy said. "It's time Illinois compensates its workers at a rate that allows residents to provide for their families and support local business."
Smiddy is a chief co-sponsor to Senate Bill 11. The bill raises the minimum wage from its current level of $8.25 an hour to $9.00 an hour beginning on July 1, 2015. This level will rise $.50 a years until it reaches $11.00 an hour in 2019. The higher revenues each worker will take in can be reinvested in local business and help grow the state's economy.
"This bill provides the aid Illinois workers need immediately, while continuing to increase the minimum wage slowing to allow employers adequate time adjust to rising wages," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to support measures to empower working families and plan changes to economic policies in careful, measured steps."
Senate Bill 11 passed the Senate on February 5, and awaits assignment to a House committee for consideration.
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