SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released a statement following Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address this afternoon.

"It is a relief to serve with a governor who shares our values,” Villivalam said. “We have difficult choices ahead of us. This budget won’t be a solution to all of the problems we face in Illinois, but it's a start.”

The budget proposed by Pritzker, which covers July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, calls for increased funding for education paid for by revenues that will be primarily created with the legalization of recreational marijuana and sports gambling.

“Investing in education is one of the most important things we can do as legislators. To keep our young people in Illinois we need to provide quality higher education opportunities in our state so they go to school here, get jobs here and choose to raise their families here,” Villivalam said. “By no means will these new revenue sources solve every problem we face, but ensuring that all students in Illinois in K-12 and beyond have the tools to succeed is a good start.”

SPRINGFIELD – A bill was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker today that will gradually increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour.

“Today's historic minimum wage success is thanks to a broad coalition of labor, business, advocates, members of the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker,"Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "At long last working people will be provided with a sense of dignity, fairness and stability in everyday life while also allowing them to spend money on things they need, resulting in a boost to our local economies."

This legislation is the result of the hard work and collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders. Labor and business organizations such as Tom Balanoff, Greg Kelley, Diane Palmer and SEIU Healthcare, as well as Sam Toia and the Illinois Restaurant Association, were instrumental in putting 1.4 million Illinoisans on the path to a living wage. The new law also includes tax credits for small businesses.

Senate Bill 1 will be phased in over six years to provide businesses time to adapt to a new minimum wage in Illinois. SB 1 will raise the minimum wage to:
• $9.25 per hour from Jan. 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020
• $10 per hour from July 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020
• $11 per hour from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021
• $12 per hour from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022
• $13 per hour from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023
• $14 per hour from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024
• $15 per hour on and after Jan. 1, 2025

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House today approved a measure that will gradually increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour.

“I’m thankful that the House followed the Senate's lead in moving this vital legislation forward," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "This legislation will provide working people with a sense of dignity, fairness, and stability in everyday life. Furthermore, it will allow working families to spend money on things they need, which results in a boost to our local economies."

This legislation is the result of the hard work and collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders. It includes tax credits for small businesses while putting 1.4 million workers on a path to a living wage. Labor organizations and business groups, such the Illinois Restaurant Association, are in support.

Senate Bill 1 will be phased in over six years to provide businesses time to adapt to a new minimum wage in Illinois. SB 1 will raise the minimum wage to:
• $9.25 per hour from Jan. 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020
• $10 per hour from July 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020
• $11 per hour from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021
• $12 per hour from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022
• $13 per hour from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023
• $14 per hour from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024
• $15 per hour on and after Jan. 1, 2025

The bill now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate today approved a measure that will gradually increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour.

“Raising the minimum wage in Illinois is long overdue,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) “It is this sort of progressive legislation that working families have sorely needed as the cost of living has risen while wages have stagnated. If you work full time, you deserve to be able to put a roof over your head and provide food for your family.”

This legislation, has been negotiated with stakeholders across the spectrum. Labor organizations and business groups, such the Illinois Restaurant Association, are in support.

“I’m proud that the Illinois State Senate has taken the lead in moving this vital legislation. With its implementation, we will prevent wage theft and working families will be able to spend money on things they need, adding a boon to local economies.” Villivalam said. “Finally, this legislation will provide working class people with a sense of dignity, fairness and stability in everyday life. I commend Majority Leader Lightford and Gov. Pritzker on their leadership on this issue.”

Senate Bill 1, will be phased in over six years in order to provide businesses time to adapt to a new minimum wage in Illinois. SB 1 will raise the minimum wage to:
• $9.25 per hour from Jan. 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020
• $10 per hour from July 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020
• $11 per hour from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021
• $12 per hour from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022
• $13 per hour from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023
• $14 per hour from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024
• $15 per hour on and after Jan. 1, 2025

The bill now goes to the House for approval.