Blue Room Press Conference Tuesday: Hernandez, One Fair Wage Discuss Continued Fight to Abolish Subminimum Wage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, will highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure fair pay for every Illinois worker at a press conference in the Capitol Blue Room on Tuesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. 

“The fight for one fair wage will, and must, continue,” Hernandez said. “While we knew this would be a long process, we also knew that abolishing the subminimum wage for tipped workers will increase the standard of living for those living paycheck to paycheck, help suburban restaurants compete with their Chicago counterparts, and address systemic harassment facing these workers. We continue to make progress toward a final product, addressing the needs of workers, businesses and local families.” 

Hernandez championed House Bill 5345 which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to $15 per hour statewide and support suburban restaurants as they compete for talent with Chicago workers. Guaranteeing a full minimum wage for tipped workers would not restrict the ability of tipped workers to earn and keep their tips. Advocates worry that servers and tipped wage workers would face continued harassment and discrimination to make ends meet without this needed legislation. 

Who: State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Sen. Lakeshia Collins, One Fair Wage coalition What: Update on One Fair Wage legislation  When: Tuesday, May 21, 11 a.m.  Where: Capitol Blue Room