Minimum wage increase to take center stage in new General Assembly

Posted on January 19, 2015

State Sen. Kimberly Lightford wants to see Illinois raise its minimum wage to $11 per hour. (Photo by www.ilga.gov)

By Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) introduced legislation that would increase the minimum wage up to $11 an hour by 2019.

If passed, the first 50-cent increase would be imposed by July 1. After that, there would be 50-cent increase per year, up to $11per hour. The law would also create a tax credit for employers with fewer than fifty employees.

Lawmakers failed to pass a minimum wage increase before the last General Assembly. A nonbinding referendum to increase the state’s minimum wage passed in November.

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