Raise Illinois minimum wage to $25 an hour for all workers
The Issue
Growing up and living my life in Illinois has been a constant struggle. As a parent, my daily life revolves around survival, scraping by with just enough to cover basic needs like food and bills. The excitement of merely meeting these necessities shouldn't be the pinnacle of one's aspirations, yet for many people in our community, it is. This is not just my story; it reflects the reality for countless Illinois workers who are doing all they can to stay afloat in an economy that seems stacked against them.
Currently, the minimum wage in Illinois does not provide enough to cover basic living expenses, forcing many workers to work multiple jobs, sacrificing time with their families, and living in a constant state of financial stress. Despite working long hours, the current minimum wage still traps many in poverty, unable to break free from the cycle of just getting by.
It's time for change. I propose a statewide minimum wage of $25 per hour for Illinois workers. This change would ensure that all workers earn a fair wage that allows them to live with dignity. By raising the wage to $25 per hour and tying future adjustments to the rate of inflation, we can provide financial stability and predictability for families across the state. Additionally, implementing these changes requires protecting all occupations equitably, ensuring no worker is left behind.
Moreover, the proposed SB3821 includes a phased increase towards this goal, which offers a realistic path to implementation. This phased approach will allow businesses to adapt gradually while still moving towards a fair living wage for everyone.
Evidence from other states and cities that have raised their minimum wages shows that workers experience improved financial security, reduced reliance on social services, and increased purchasing power, all of which benefit the local economy. According to the Economic Policy Institute, raising the minimum wage could raise the earnings of approximately one million workers in Illinois.
The time for change is now. I urge you to support this initiative and help create a fairer and more equitable economy for everyone in Illinois. Sign this petition to stand with us and call on our legislators to act swiftly and decisively in favor of Illinois workers and their families. Let's create a future where a living wage is not a privilege but a basic right.
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The Issue
Growing up and living my life in Illinois has been a constant struggle. As a parent, my daily life revolves around survival, scraping by with just enough to cover basic needs like food and bills. The excitement of merely meeting these necessities shouldn't be the pinnacle of one's aspirations, yet for many people in our community, it is. This is not just my story; it reflects the reality for countless Illinois workers who are doing all they can to stay afloat in an economy that seems stacked against them.
Currently, the minimum wage in Illinois does not provide enough to cover basic living expenses, forcing many workers to work multiple jobs, sacrificing time with their families, and living in a constant state of financial stress. Despite working long hours, the current minimum wage still traps many in poverty, unable to break free from the cycle of just getting by.
It's time for change. I propose a statewide minimum wage of $25 per hour for Illinois workers. This change would ensure that all workers earn a fair wage that allows them to live with dignity. By raising the wage to $25 per hour and tying future adjustments to the rate of inflation, we can provide financial stability and predictability for families across the state. Additionally, implementing these changes requires protecting all occupations equitably, ensuring no worker is left behind.
Moreover, the proposed SB3821 includes a phased increase towards this goal, which offers a realistic path to implementation. This phased approach will allow businesses to adapt gradually while still moving towards a fair living wage for everyone.
Evidence from other states and cities that have raised their minimum wages shows that workers experience improved financial security, reduced reliance on social services, and increased purchasing power, all of which benefit the local economy. According to the Economic Policy Institute, raising the minimum wage could raise the earnings of approximately one million workers in Illinois.
The time for change is now. I urge you to support this initiative and help create a fairer and more equitable economy for everyone in Illinois. Sign this petition to stand with us and call on our legislators to act swiftly and decisively in favor of Illinois workers and their families. Let's create a future where a living wage is not a privilege but a basic right.
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Petition created on October 27, 2026