SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate has reconvened for their fall session to consider legislation that the governor either outright vetoed or amended. One piece of legislation would give home health workers and personal assistants a minimum wage of $15 per hour.

“These home health workers and personal assistants are doing extremely difficult and stressful work,” Hastings said. “This proposal will give them a much needed wage increase, the opportunity for health insurance and the mandatory training they need to provide quality care to their clients.”

Senate Bill 2931, sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park), would raise the minimum wage from $13 per hour. Many home health care workers throughout the state are living in poverty, only making $17,000 a year, as they continue to try and put others needs before their own.

“These are people who have committed to putting others first,” Hastings said. “But when they can’t provide for their own families they can no longer commit to the people they desire to serve. These people want to serve and we should be helping them by ensuring they can provide for their own needs.”

The legislation now moves to the House for an override vote.

Listen to Senator Hastings' closing statement on Senate Bill 2931.