SPRINGFIELD – Legislation Co-Sponsored by State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour passed the Illinois House of Representatives, marking a major win in the fight to ensure Illinois workers are guaranteed a fair wage.

“As legislators, we are committed to guaranteeing a living wage and protecting the dignity of workers,” Sandoval said. “I’m glad to see that the House followed our lead in approving this historic legislation recognizing the benefits this bill will bring to working class families in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1 would gradually increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour by 2025. The step-by-step rollout of the increase is designed to allow businesses to adjust to the law and adapt accordingly. The first increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020 and set the minimum wage at $9.25.

Illinois’ minimum wage has been $8.25 an hour since 2010.

Senate Bill 1 now awaits the governor’s signature.

­SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) commended the Illinois Department of Human Services’ decision Wednesday to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits early to avoid a disruption that could hurt Illinois families on the Southwest side of Chicago.

“Struggling families should not have to worry about where their next meal will come from because of the president’s costly and unnecessary government shutdown,” Sandoval said. “I am pleased to see that IDHS recognizes the importance of ensuring that Illinois families are able to claim the benefits they need to get through difficult times.”

March SNAP benefits will be loaded into recipients’ accounts on March 1.

February benefits through the program were issued in January as a result of the federal government shutdown, leaving a long gap before recipients would again be able to claim benefits on which they rely. Benefits are typically issued at different times throughout the month.

SNAP is a federal program that provides food subsidies to families who cannot afford to buy groceries.

­SPRINGFIELD – Legislation cosponsored by State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour passed Thursday, marking a major win in the fight to ensure Illinois workers are guaranteed a fair wage.

“Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans have been disadvantaged by the federal minimum wage that should be a considered starvation wage, not a dignified living wage. The opportunity to earn a fair wage and provide for your family is a right, not a privilege,” Sandoval said. “This wage increase will provide stability to struggling families in Illinois and help them lift themselves out of poverty.”

Senate Bill 1 would gradually increase the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 an hour by 2025. The step-by-step rollout of the increase is designed to allow businesses to adjust to the law and adapt accordingly. The first increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020 and set the minimum wage at $9.25.

Illinois’ minimum wage has been $8.25 an hour since 2010.

“The men and women of Illinois who work tirelessly to provide for their families are long overdue for a pay increase. It’s absurd that in spite of the rising cost of living, this is the first time we have increased the minimum wage in almost a decade,” Sandoval said. “As members of the General Assembly, it is our duty to protect the dignity and rights of our workers.”

Senate Bill 1 will now move to the House of Representatives.

­SPRINGFIELD – Home owners and businesses in Argo Community High School District 217 will see a decrease in their property taxes as a result of a new state grant program for school districts in highly-taxed areas.

The Property Tax Relief Grant was a part of a historic school funding reform law that brought millions of dollars to school districts in dire need of funding.

“Homeowners and businesses should not have to pay exorbitant property taxes for our children to have access to a good education,” said State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago), a longtime advocate of tax relief. “This grant helps ensure the success of our students without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.”

Argo Community High School District 217 will receive over $1.8 million dollars from the new program.

In order to receive the state grant, eligible school districts must submit an abatement resolution to their county clerks by March 30. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will then distribute the grants once receiving all abatement certificates.

More information on the Property Tax Relief Grant and a listing of each eligible school district can be found at www.ISBE.net/proptaxrelief.