SPRINGFIELD (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Gov. J.B. Pritkzer on Tuesday signed a measure into law that will make $15 the minimum wage in Illinois within the next decade.
One of the bill’s sponsors, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, has been trying to pass a minimum wage increase since 2003 and marveled that it took less than a month into the new Pritzker administration to get it done.
“Thirty-three days,” corrected the governor.
The signing in Springfield was attended by other supporters, including one worker who said she can’t make ends meet on the current state minimum wage.
“My older sons need clothes and school supplies, and my newborn needs formula and diapers, plus child care,” said Ieshia Townsend of Chicago. “Although I have been working at McDonald’s for the last three years, I am not getting paid enough to meet the requirements for my children.”
The bill, which had no Republican support and which was opposed by almost all business groups, raises Illinois’ $8.25 minimum to $9.25 in 2020, escalating it to $15 in 2025.