Illinois Senate Approves Minimum Wage Hike; Righter Votes No

Print

Published on February 7 2019 2:53 pm
Last Updated on February 7 2019 3:22 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Illinois Senate Thursday voted in favor of a $15 minimum wage to be phased in over the next six years.

Local St. Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon opposed the legislation. Righter offered this statement:

“This legislation only adds to the burdens placed on Illinois’ employers, backing them into a corner, raising costs for consumers and posing a threat to our business sector. Just consider the harm this will have on colleges and universities. We’re looking at millions of dollars being added to their overhead, potential decreases in enrollment and the elimination of student worker programs. Instead of focusing on pro-business, pro-growth reforms, we’re entertaining a political ploy filled with false promises and overlooks the unintended effects of a massive wage increase. This isn’t good business for our state and this isn’t a measure I will support.”

Senate Bill 0001 passed out of the Senate 39 to 18 largely along party lines in the Democrat-controlled chamber and advances to the Illinois House for further consideration.