Raising Illinois’ minimum wage is shaping up to be another issue in the governor’s race. The state’s current minimum wage is $8.25 an hour. Incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner says he is in favor of a higher minimum wage on the condition that other pro-business items are also approved.
“I support raising it in the context of a balanced budget with structural reforms to bring down the regulatory burden on our businesses so they can afford to pay a higher minimum wage.”
Illinois state senators originally included an increase in the minimum wage as part of a grand compromise to end the budget impasse. But it was taken out - because some places like the City of Chicago - already have a higher minimum wage of $10.50 an hour.