News

STATE SEN. AQUINO: $15 AN HOUR GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY

04/27/2017

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Omar Aquino, a Democrat from Chicago, spoke in favor of raising the minimum wage to $15 statewide. Aquino spoke at a rally in the capitol building, along with workers, activists and fellow legislators.

“If we really want to help local businesses and stimulate the economy, we need to raise the minimum wage,” Aquino said. “If workers are paid at least $15 an hour, they’ll have more money to spend on goods and services in their communities. That money will go straight back into the economy. Raising the minimum wage is not just the right thing to do. It will inject money where it is needed.”

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is supporting a nationwide effort to raise the minimum wage, focusing on organizing workers in the service industry. While organizers support different wages depending on jurisdiction, they have consistently fought for a $15 minimum wage in Illinois.