Just one day after the Chicago City Council approved a minimum wage of $13 per hour by 2019, the Illinois Senate approved a plan to raise the minimum wage across the state.
The approval came after the Illinois House had adjourned, which means Gov. Pat Quinn could call a special session and bring the House back for a vote.
The Senate approve the minimum wage hike with a majority vote of 39-18.
"There is a moral argument to be made that anyone who works 40 hours a week should not have to live in poverty," said State Senator Jacqueline Collins. "Last month, two-thirds of Illinois voters told us they agree with that principle, and today, the Senate responded by taking action to raise the state’s minimum wage."
Quinn said in a statement the Senate "deserves praise" for passing the bill and he plans to work with members of the House to raise the wage.
Meanwhile, A Chicago restaurant that borders the south suburbs says it's leaving and the alderman believes that decision is tied to Chicago's new wage hike.
One day after the Chicago vote, the Panera restaurant along West 95th Street announced it would be closing.
Politics
"Our suburban neighbors are more than willing to give whatever incentives they can to attract our quality business," said Alderman Matt O'Shea. "Here's one of them walking away."
Officials in the city say the issue of minimum wage could deter businesses from the city.
"It just makes it very difficult to attract businesses when we're steps away from Evergreen Park and they don't have this minimum wage issue," said Erin Ross with the 95th Street Business Association.
Panera said in a statement, "Unfortunately, in some locations, it is difficult to achieve the standards we believe will meet customer expectations.” They denied the closure is connected to the minimum wage hike.
