Democrats in the Illinois House approved an increase in the state minimum wage. Assuming Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the legislation — he's said he will — the rate will gradually climb to $15 perhour in the year 2025;
Meanwhile, top Pritzker budget aid Dan Hynes floated the idea of reducing the upcoming payments into the pension fund. It would provide budget relief in the short run, but could eventually leave Illinois' already-underfunded pension systems in even worse shape.
Sean Crawford hosts with regular panelists Charlie Wheeler, Brian Mackey and Daisy Contreras, and guest Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business.