Illinois lawmakers approve minimum wage ballot measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- The question of whether the state should raise its minimum wage to $10 an hour could go before voters in November, as legislators in Springfield passed a measure Wednesday allowing the issue to go to referendum.

The democrats, who hold super majorities in both the House and Senate, say they did not have the votes to pass a minimum wage increase outright. But they did approve the bill that calls for a referendum that some republicans suspect has a political purpose.

"Gov. Quinn has been governor for five years. His party has supermajorities in both chambers," said Republican Sen. Matt Murphy. "If actually raising the minimum wage was a priority, he would actually do it instead of talk about it and use it as a stunt or a political gimmick to try to drive turnout."

"I think it's a core principal that people should not work full time and live in absolute poverty, and you cannot say that's the situation today in Illinois," said Democratic Sen. Daniel Bliss. "And raising the minimum would improve that."

If voters approve a minimum wage increase in November, it would not happen automatically. The measure would still have to be approved by legislators, who would have to pass a bill to authorize it. But the theory is that lawmakers would have political cover for whatever way they decide to go.