Governor JB Pritzker signs minimum wage increase into law

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Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Gov. Pritzker signs minimum wage increase
Governor JB Pritzker speaks ahead of signing into law an increase in the Illinois minimum wage.

Governor JB Pritzker signed a minimum wage hike into law Tuesday.



The minimum wage would increase gradually every year, until it hits $15-an-hour in 2025. Currently, the state minimum stands at $8.25-an-hour.



Chicago's minimum is $12-an-hour, and it's set to increase to $13 this summer.



"Today is resounding victory for the 1.4 million Illinoisans who will soon get a hard-earned and well-deserved raise," Gov. Pritzker said in a statement. "After nearly a decade of delay, I applaud the House and Senate for passing a living wage with the fierce urgency this moment requires. Phasing in the minimum wage over the next six years will put $6,300 a year into the pockets of nearly a quarter of our state's workforce and billions of dollars into local economies in every corner of our state. Whether you're a home healthcare provider in McLeansboro or a janitor in Rockford, hardworking men and women across Illinois deserve a raise and will get one. After campaigning on a promise to put Springfield back on the side of working families, I will proudly sign this historic legislation in the days to come."

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