BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Belleville, passed legislation that holds businesses accountable for mistreating their employees out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, yesterday.
“Unethical employers that are taking advantage of their employees must be held accountable,” Hoffman said. “This measure will give the Attorney General’s office more tools to ensure Illinois workers have the right to a safe work environment and that they receive their rightfully owed wages.”
Hoffman’s Senate Bill 193, the Workers Protection Act, empowers the Attorney General to bring suits related to violations of laws like the Prevailing Wage Act, the Minimum Wage Act and the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act. Currently, the Attorney General can only file suit under the state’s employment laws with a referral from the Department of Labor. Hoffman’s legislation removes that requirement.
The measure also creates a task force to promote better cooperation amongst the Attorney General and State’s Attorneys in enforcing criminal violations of employment laws.
Senate Bill 193 now heads to the full House for further consideration.
Hoffman (right) takes questions on the Workers Protection Act, which creates a unit in the Attorney General’s Office to have greater authority to stand up for the rights of working people.
Rep Jay Hoffman
(D-Belleville)
113th District
Springfield Office:
261-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0104
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District Office:
312 S. High St.
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 416-7407
(618) 416-7409 FAX