Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker/WJEZ file photo

By Katherine Murphy

The bill that will raise minimum wage in Illinois to $15 was signed Tuesday by the Governor.

After passing the Illinois Senate February 7, the house voted to send it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk on Valentine’s Day.

Calling for an initial $1 hourly pay hike at the beginning of 2020 – the minimum wage will increase 75 cents to $10 an hour in July of 202 and then grow in $1 increments each January first through 2025.

Before signing the bill Pritzker said “Today we’re making it clear that if you work hard in this state, you should be able to afford the services you produce.”

Illinois’ minimum wage was set at $8.25 per hour since 2010. Chicago has sinced increased its minimum wage to $12 per hour.

Next up, the Governor will deliver his budget address Wednesday afternoon.

Katherine Murphy can be reached at [email protected]