IL HR0705

Urges the federal government to increase the federal minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 per hour for over a decade.

Cites that 38.1 million people live in poverty in the United States, with 11.1% of households experiencing food insecurity as of 2018.

Notes the federal minimum wage's purchasing power peaked in 1968 at $1.60 per hour (equivalent to $12 in 2019) and should have reached $19.33 per hour by 2017 to keep pace with labor productivity.

References research showing minimum wage increases reduce deaths from alcohol, drugs, and suicide while reducing crime and increasing economic productivity.

Directs delivery of the resolution to the Illinois Congressional Delegation as Illinois recently passed legislation to increase its state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.