Jones Backs Effort to Establish Living Wage for Illinois’ Middle-Class Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to provide Illinois’ middle-class families with a much-needed raise in income, state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, voted to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.

“For too long, families across the South Suburbs, and other areas of the state, have worked increasingly longer hours, but their wages have stagnated,” said Jones. “These working men and women who are the economic driver of our community deserve to be paid more so they can not only care for their families, but also foster local economic development.”

Jones voted to pass Senate Bill 1, which will raise Illinois’ minimum wage to $15. This effort has long been a key element of the House Democrats’ economic plan to lift up working families, and this wage hike will accomplish that. Research from the Illinois Economic Policy shows that a $15 an hour wage for working men and women means $19 billion a year in new economic activity, which will help grow local businesses. 

“Illinois can’t lose with this law, and neither can our hardworking men and women, as the increased wages means consistent investment into communities and their economies,” said Jones. “For my community, we need a living wage so can create more local jobs and give homeowners a reason to stay here.”