THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES JANUARY FIRST. 

MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS WILL GO FROM 11 DOLLARS AN HOUR TO 12 IN THE NEW YEAR SAYS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JASON KELLER.

KELLER SAYS THEY USUALLY DON'T SEE MUCH OF A PROBLEM WITH EMPLOYERS PAYING THE CORRECT WAGE BUT ADVISES WORKERS TO CHECK THEIR PAY STUBS JUST IN CASE.

THE INCREASE IS PART OF A GRADUAL HIKE TO 15 BUCKS AN HOUR BY 2025. THE MINIMUM WAGE IN CHICAGO IS ALREADY AROUND THAT AMOUNT, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE BUSINESS.