Rep. Gregg Johnson Fights for Fair Pay, Passes Prevailing Wage Measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure backed by state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, to strengthen prevailing wage rules and ensure workers receive the correct pay is one step closer to becoming law.

“After the roofers, nurses, plumbers, painters and litany of other hard-working men and women put their hours in to help build a stronger Illinois, they deserve fair compensation that is substantial enough to put food on their families’ dinner tables,” Johnson said. “This measure will help ensure they get the pay they have earned so they can live comfortably and Illinois can keep moving in the right direction.”

In a push to continue to improve workers’ rights in Illinois, Johnson backed House Bill 1189, which clarifies that workers will receive the highest prevailing wage – whether federal or state – in local public works projects that include federal funding. The measure intends to eliminate potential confusion when rates differ, and specifically impacts projects under state or local control. Illinois prevailing wage rates are updated twice a year, whereas federal rates are updated irregularly and infrequently.

House Bill 1189 passed the Illinois Senate and House with bipartisan support and had the backing of the Illinois AFL-CIO and numerous labor and workers’ rights groups. It will head to the governor for final approval. Once signed, House Bill 1189 is intended to take effect July 1, 2025.

“Too often, Illinois workers get taken advantage of and paid less than they are owed,” Johnson said. “We’re fighting for a better workplace in our state, and I’m confident that this measure is a step forward.”