THE STATE SENATE IS WORKING ON A PLAN TO GRADUALLY RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE IN ILLINOIS. 

SUPPORTERS SAY THIS WILL BE THE YEAR TO GET THE FIRST BOOST IN THE MINIMUM WAGE SINCE 2010 SIGNED INTO LAW. THE INCREASE WILL BE PHASED IN OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS UNTIL IT REACHES 15 AN HOUR IN 2025. IT'S SUPPORTED BY A-F-L C-I-O PRESIDENT MICHAEL CARRIGAN.

SOME QUESTION WHETHER THAT MUCH OF A HIKE IS NEEDED ACROSS THE STATE. BILL SPONSOR, SENATOR KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD OF MAYWOOD RESPONDS.

THE LEGISLATION INCLUDES A PAYROLL TAX CREDIT FOR BUSINESSES WITH 50 OR FEWER EMPLOYEES TO HELP OFFSET THE ADDED COST. IT PASSED A SENATE COMMITTEE AND WILL NOW BE CONSIDERED BY THE FULL SENATE.