D’Amico Backs Minimum Wage Increase to Lift Up Working Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to lift up working families across Illinois, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, helped pass legislation that raises Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 over the next few years.

“As the minimum wage has remained stagnant since 2011, many working families are struggling to get by,” D’Amico said. “Basic living expenses, property taxes, childcare, and health care costs have all increased—putting working families in a very difficult spot.”

D’Amico backed Senate Bill 81, which would gradually increase the current $8.25 minimum wage, starting in 2018 to $9 per hour, to an ending amount of $15 by 2022. The bill also creates a tax credit, which would offer small businesses with fewer than 50 workers a credit toward their income tax liability. The measure is part of D’Amico’s economic reform agenda that aims to grow the state’s economy by prioritizing lifting up working families while closing corporate tax loopholes and leveling the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses.

“Our economy is driven by the hard-working men and women of our state, and by putting more dollars in their pockets we will boost local economic growth in our neighborhoods,” D’Amico said. “I urge the governor to sign this proposal and help grow our economy by lifting up working families in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 81 passed the House and the Senate and is waiting to be signed into law by the governor.