Harper Bill Helps Middle Class by Raising State Minimum Wage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation that would raise the state’s minimum wage and provide Illinois workers with an increase in income.

“I will not stop fighting for a livable wage until there is economic justice for workers,” said Harper. “Businesses have enjoyed significant profits over the last several decades, but workers’ wages have not increased. Increasing the minimum wage will provide workers with more economic security because they will not be forced to live paycheck to paycheck.”

Harper is the chief sponsor of House Bill 3159, which would increase the state’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $15.00 an hour. Raising the minimum would help working class families climb out of poverty and grant them greater spending abilities to grow the economy. Raising the minimum wage is a part of the new economic agenda that Harper and House Democrats are fighting for to grow the economy and empower the middle class.

“The minimum wage has not kept up with inflation since 1969, and that is a serious problem for workers and the middle class,” said Harper. “Wages have flattened, and it is time that we give a helping hand to workers instead of padding the pockets of big corporations.”