Alternative Minimum Wage Bill Gets House Committee OK

Legislation in the Illinois House to increase the minimum wage at a slower rate than the Senate proposes has received committee approval.

Rep. Art Turner's measure would increase the wage from $8.25 to $9 beginning in July.

The Labor and Commerce Committee approved it 16-10 Wednesday.

The Chicago Democrat's proposal would implement another hike to $10 in July 2016.

The Senate plan would push it to $9 in July and increase it 50 cents a year — to $11 by 2019.

But that initiative by Democratic Sen. Kimberly Lightford of Maywood hasn't gained House support.

The issue is complicated because Chicago imposed a city wage that hits $13 by 2019.

Gov. Bruce Rauner supports an increase with pro-business reforms.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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