Report: minimum wage hike could hurt teens
Updated: November 26, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- Workers in Illinois could see a pay bump if some lawmakers have their way. But, a new report says it could cause more harm than good.
The Illinois Policy Institute reports that if a minimum wage proposal is passed, about 10,000 teens could find themselves out of work. It points out that unemployment rate for teens has already nose-dived over the years. Last year it was at 27%.
Under the bill, minimum wage would go up each year until it reaches $10.25 by 2015. Right now it's $8.25. Supporters say it would help adults who are struggling to make ends meet, while critics argue it would ultimately hurt small businesses and teenagers.
Illinois currently has the third highest minimum wage in the country. Lawmakers could vote on the proposal during veto session in December.
