CHICAGO -- A state lawmaker from Chicago has announced a plan to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 by 2022.
Democratic Rep. Will Guzzardi told reporters Monday he'll file legislation within days to incrementally increase the rate over five years. The first hike would bring the $8.25 rate to $9 by 2018. Guzzardi says it'll improve Illinois' business climate and the plan will include tax help for small businesses.
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But business groups remain opposed, saying raising the minimum wage increases the cost of doing business, among other things. The bill's fate is also unclear amid a two-year budget impasse that's overshadowed other issues in Springfield.
The bill is among several recent Illinois legislative attempts to raise the wage.
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New laws in New York and California will gradually raise the wage to $15.