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In May, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure to provide employees
with at least one day of rest in each workweek and meal or rest
breaks during daily work shifts.
Another measure provides 10 days of unpaid leave to employees absent
due to a miscarriage, adoption issue or a stillbirth.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Family Bereavement Leave Act in June.
"Illinoisans should have time to mourn and heal after an
unimaginable loss like a miscarriage or stillbirth," Pritzker said.
"There are no words to erase such immense grief, but today, we take
action to ensure that our residents are given the support and grace
they deserve."
The state also passed the REV Act, which aims to make Illinois a hub
for EV and auto battery production. The amendment allows for the
issuance of a tax credit to Illinois automakers that retain
employees as they transition to EV production.
Mark Denzler of the Illinois Manufacturers Association said the
measures could help attract businesses to Illinois.
"I give a lot of credit to the governor and his team for their
leadership in talking to companies that are looking at Illinois
about what makes Illinois more attractive and what we can do to make
Illinois more competitive," Denzler said.
The state's minimum wage also will increase in 2022. It will rise
from $12 per hour to $13 per hour. The hike is part of a measure
signed in 2019 by Pritzker that would establish annual increases,
with the final increase raising the wage to $15 an hour in 2025.
Pritzker said the raise would help workers deal with inflated
prices.
"Illinois workers deserve a minimum wage that keeps up with the
rising living costs," Pritzker said. "That's why, during my first
year as governor, we raised the minimum wage gradually to $15 an
hour. Starting January 1, minimum wage workers will get a raise, and
businesses will continue receiving tax credits for providing their
workforce with a living wage."
Illinois also passed the Worker's Rights Amendment in 2022, which
guarantees a public sector worker's right to collective bargaining.
The new laws go into effect statewide on January 1.
Andrew Hensel has years of experience as a
reporter and pre-game host for the Joliet Slammers, and as a
producer for the Windy City Bulls. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan
University and Illinois Media School, Andrew lives in the south
suburbs of Chicago.
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