The sponsor of a minimum wage hike says she'll push to get it passed during the legislature's veto session.
Democratic State Senator Kim Lightford pointed to the results of a non-binding referendum. Sixty-seven percent of Illinois voters said "yes" when asked if Illinois should raise its minimum wage to $10 an hour by January first. The current rate is $8.25.
Results showed support for an increase in much of the state - including traditionally Republican areas, like the Chicago suburbs and downstate.
"Many people think that this is just a Democrat issue, that this is just a Chicago issue. They don't look at poverty as ... it's not a Democrat or Republican issue. Poverty doesn't have a face. Poverty says if I work 40 hours a week, I deserve to not come to the state government for subsidies."
The latest proposal would eventually raise Illinois' minimum wage higher, to $11 an hour in July 2017.
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner says legislators should wait to address issues like the minimum wage. He says a hike should be paired with pro-business policies.
