Illinois Senate 'bargain' includes hike in minimum wage

One part of the Illinois Senate's ambitious "grand bargain" is an attempt to raise the state's minimum wage.

Senate Bill 2 aims to gradually increase the minimum wage that is $8.25 until it hits $11 an hour in 2021.

The proposal is hotly contested between advocates who say Illinois is overdue for an increase and businesses that have to front the costs in paying for it.

The National Federation of Independent Business represents more than 11,000 small-business owners in the Illinois. Its state director, Mark Grant, said those businesses would suffer if they had to cover the additional expense of a higher minimum wage.

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170121/illinois-senate-bargain-includes-hike-in-minimum-wage