February 2014

By: Anthony J. Caruso, Esq.

Unfortunately for Illinois employers, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has made it his personal agendato increase the minimum wage in his fight against poverty. Presently, the Illinois minimum wage is $8.25 an hour. It was last increased in 2010.

The Governor first made his proposal in his 2013 State of the State Address. At a follow-up event on December 18, 2013 at Chicago’s St. Pius V Church, the Governor again addressed his proposal.

Most recently, on January 19, 2014, Governor Quinn again re-stated his position for an increase in the minimum wage for the following reasons:

• In Illinois, a full-time minimum wage worker currently earns $16,600 a year which is below the $19,530 Federal Poverty Threshold (family of three).
• Based upon the rate of inflation, if the minimum wage kept up with inflation, it would be $10.75 (at present) and not $8.25 an hour.
• It is noted by the Federal Reserve that every dollar increase in the minimum wage increased $2,800 in new consumer spending annually.

Therefore, it is recommended that all Illinois employers assess their individual situation as to what effect such an increase could have on their business. Now is the time to take action and support your employer associations in any legal fight to prevent an increase in the state minimum wage in 2014.

If you have any questions or concerns about this topic or any other questions related to employment, please call attorney Anthony J. Caruso of Wessels Sherman’s St. Charles, Illinois office at (630) 377-1554 or e-mail ancaruso@wesselssherman.com.