SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — There’s good news on the horizon for minimum wage workers.
As of January 1, the state’s lowest hourly pay rate will go from $8.25 up to $9.25.
Governor J.B. Prizker signed Senate Bill 1 in February to make this happen.
Pritzker called it overdue.
“It’s been a long time in coming,” he said.
“It’s been nine long years since workers got a raised, and even nine years ago, that raise amounted to 25 cents.”
The bill also includes increases each year between 2020 and 2025, at which point it will stop at $15.
Representative Will Guzzardi said minimum wage increases represent more than just money.
“It’s not only going to raise wages for 1.4 million Illinoisans, but going to recognize the decency of a hard day’s work.
“If somebody shows up to work and works hard, they deserve to earn a living where they can care for their families.”
The state’s $9.25 minimum wage will be two dollars than the federal minimum wage.
