You may have to wait until 2019 for it to happen. Last Thursday, the Illinois Senate approved a plan to raise the minimum wage from to $11 per hour by 2019. Currently, it stands at $8.25 an hour.

The proposal passed by a vote of 35-18.  The Senate has a Democratic majority and mostly passed on party lines.

The plan is at odds with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner who opposes the plan. On Wednesday, he proposed that Illinois raise its wage to $10 over seven years if the increase is accompanied by pro-business reforms.

The Federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Reuters reports that Illinois is one of 29 states with a higher minimum wage than the federal level.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor. Washington also has a higher hourly minimum than the federal one, and higher than any state minimum at $9.50.

The wage increase bill was  sponsored by State Sen. Kimberly Lightford. She tells Reuters

The minimum wage should be a living wage. If you work full-time, you shouldn't have to rely on government support to put food on your family's table or a roof over your head

The measure now moves to the Illinois House, where its passage is less certain.

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