SEIU Illinois State Council President Tom Balanoff Applauds Passage of $15 Minimum Wage Bill Out of Illinois House of Representatives

Nearly 1 in 4 working people in Illinois will see a raise over the course of the legislation

CHICAGO – The following is a statement from SEIU Illinois State Council President Tom Balanoff regarding the passage of SB1, a $15 minimum wage bill, out of the Illinois House of Representatives:

“When New York City fast food workers kicked off the Fight For $15 in 2012, few thought it would become the national movement that it did. But because working people across our state came together, Illinois is now on the path to a $15 minimum wage for hardworking families.

“The janitors, healthcare workers, security officers and more of SEIU applaud Illinois Senate and House Democrats for moving this legislation and Governor Pritzker for honoring his campaign promise by making a $15 wage a defining issue for his administration.

“But the Fight For $15 and a union was never just about wages. Working people across our state will continue to come together to fight for the good union jobs they need to support their families.”

###

The SEIU Illinois State Council represents more than 150,000 working people, including home care and child care providers, security officers, janitors, airport workers as well as public employees, medical professionals, first responders and social service workers. SEIU members are winning better wages, health care, and more secure jobs, while ensuring that working people, not just the wealthy and well-connected, benefit from today’s economy.