GOP Gov. Rauner vetoes Illinois' $15-an-hour minimum wage hike

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a plan Friday to increase the state's minimum wage to $15 over five years. 

The state's minimum wage is $8.25. The proposal would raise it incrementally until 2022 and includes a tax credit for some small businesses.

Proponents have said it's the best chance to raise wages and improve living conditions for many Illinois residents. Among the opponents are business groups who say it'll have an adverse impact on job creators. 

In his veto message, the Republican governor said Illinois needs comprehensive solutions to grow the economy and jobs. He's previously said he'd support a minimum wage increase in conjunction with other regulatory changes.

One bill sponsor, Democratic Rep. Will Guzzardi of Chicago, says he'll seek an override of Rauner's veto. 

Copyright 2021 St. Louis Public Radio. To see more, visit St. Louis Public Radio.