On a party line vote, the Illinois Senate Thursday approved raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025.

 

The bill now goes to the House, where the lead sponsor said he thinks the wage increase can pass without further changes.

 

“I have spoken with colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I feel very confident we will pass (the bill) as the Senate passed it,” said Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago. “I don’t see the need for us to make any further changes to the legislation.”

 

If that is the case, a provision sought by the business community to ease the burden of the increase won’t be considered. Business interests suggested having different minimum wages for different areas of the state. Chicago might end up with a $15 an hour wage, but downstate, the rate would be lower to reflect a lower cost of living.

 

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