To: The Illinois State House and The Illinois State Senate
Support HB 3718 to Increase the Minimum Wage for All Workers
Raising the minimum wage is sound policy for employees, employers and the state. Raising the minimum wage increases consumer demand by putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Illinoisans' which increases consumer demand.
Low wage workers are becoming a vital part of our economy. The largest sector of low wage workers are those within the restaurant industry. There are 500,000 restaurant workers in the State of Illinois. Over 75% of restaurant workers are low wage workers making $4.95 or 60% of the minimum wage.
Tipped workers value their work and stay within the industry. These workers are not teen workers wanting to make money on the side but adults trying to support themselves. Over 60% of restaurant workers are over the age of 25 and have education higher than a high school diploma. Not allowing all workers to make a livable wage stifles the growth of our state. Elected officials must move legislation that supports growth.
Low wage workers are becoming a vital part of our economy. The largest sector of low wage workers are those within the restaurant industry. There are 500,000 restaurant workers in the State of Illinois. Over 75% of restaurant workers are low wage workers making $4.95 or 60% of the minimum wage.
Tipped workers value their work and stay within the industry. These workers are not teen workers wanting to make money on the side but adults trying to support themselves. Over 60% of restaurant workers are over the age of 25 and have education higher than a high school diploma. Not allowing all workers to make a livable wage stifles the growth of our state. Elected officials must move legislation that supports growth.
Why is this important?
The State of Illinois is at a crossroads. Our elected officials have the opportunity to assist in all workers and their families; I am a single mother making $4.95. I am not a rich person, nor is that my desire. ALL WORKERS deserve to be able to make ends meet, save, and plan with their wages. I am urging our elected officials to pass a raise to the Illinois' minimum wage bill for tipped workers. We can't survive on $4.95!!!