Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bill Targeting Local Tipped Wage Rules

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would prevent cities such as Chicago from setting their own wage rules for tipped workers and give the state exclusive authority over how tips count toward hourly pay. The measure cleared a House committee on a 22 to 4 vote and would halt Chicago’s planned increases under its ordinance to phase out the subminimum wage for tipped employees. Supporters, including Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO Sam Toia, say the bill would create consistency for restaurants and workers across the state and maintain earnings that already exceed minimum wage when tips are included. Opponents, including workers advocates and some lawmakers, argue the proposal would reverse wage gains for thousands of low income workers and limit local control over labor standards.