FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, IL…A new law proposed in Illinois would change wages for tipped workers across the state. Minimum wage would be mandated under the new law, forcing restaurants to restructure their operations. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) joined business leaders and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to oppose the legislation, saying it would have a negative impact on employees and business owners.
“This legislation would cause turmoil in the service industry, causing job creators to cut good-paying positions and putting these businesses at risk of closure,” Rep. Coffey said. “Ultimately, consumers who are already feeling the higher cost of living in this state will have to pay more to offset the higher labor costs.”
HB 5345 amends the minimum wage law and would require all businesses who currently employ tipped workers to compensate employees at $15 an hour, beginning in 2025. The legislation has so far failed to attract key support, as the witness slips filed on this bill show 564 opponents and just 37 proponents.
Rep. Coffey continued, “As I’ve traveled the district, employees who have excelled at providing service to residents have asked me to stand up and fight against this bill. They are concerned their take-home pay will decrease and businesses will close their doors. We must do everything possible to encourage businesses in this state to grow and not saddle them with additional burdens.”
For more information contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org.
Representative Mike Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th House District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties. His family has been in the restaurant business since 1948.
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Photos from Press Conference
