Group calls for $15-an-hour minimum wage in Chicago

11:02 a.m. CDT, May 28, 2014

Supporters of a $15-an-hour minimum wage in Chicago said today that the time is right to introduce their plan to the City Council, despite moves from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and at the state level to go more slowly and possibly adopt smaller increases.

Speaking at a City Hall news conference prior to a council meeting, fast food worker Tanika Smith said she can’t make ends meet on her pay of $8.75 per hour. “My car note is $500 a month, my rent is about $500, food is going up, lights are going up,” she said.

The state minimum wage is currently $8.25 an hour.