Collins to Fight for Senate Democrats’ Agenda for Working Families

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Millions in corporate tax loopholes would be eliminated, students admitted to community colleges could attend for up to two years tuition-free and the minimum wage would rise to $11 an hour under a legislative agenda Illinois Senate Democrats are rallying behind as negotiations with Governor Rauner have stalled.

“With budget negotiations now held hostage to a pro-corporate agenda, working families stand to lose,” State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16^th) said. “We will put them front and center this summer as we address the barriers ordinary Illinois residents face on the path to a better life.”

The agenda contains five key provisions:

·        Corporate loopholes (SB 2148): Ends a variety of corporate tax loopholes, including automatic tax breaks for production outside Illinois. Ending these corporate giveaways will bring the state $334 million in additional revenue.

·        Minimum wage (SB 2145): Increases the state minimum wage to $9 per hour on July 1, 2015 and by $0.50 each subsequent year until the minimum wage reaches $11 on July 1, 2019. Provides a three-year tax credit for employers with fewer than 50 employees.

·        Illinois College Promise Program (SB 2146): Covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to two years at any of the state’s 48 community colleges as long as the student continues to meet all applicable eligibility requirements.

·        Healthy Workplace Act (SB 2147): Guarantees up to seven paid days of sick time to full and part time employees. Sick time would accrue at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. Employees would not be able to take sick time for the first 120 days of employment.

·        Tuition Tax Credit (SB 2149): Qualifying parents or students who are Illinois residents can claim a tax credit for higher education expenses incurred at any eligible public or private university, community college, vocational school or other postsecondary educational institution located in Illinois.

“This agenda puts people ahead of profits and communities in need ahead of corporations,” said Collins, who has consistently spoken out against the devastating budget cuts the governor proposes. “The governor, his wealthy allies and the large corporations that siphon tax dollars away from education and essential services are threatening to spend unprecedented sums of money to influence the political process, but when we stand united for economic justice, we will prevail.”

The introduction of this agenda, which embodies many of the longtime core concerns of Senate Democrats, comes as Gov. Rauner threatens to shut down state government and all state services unless lawmakers erode legal protections for workers and their families and slash billions of dollars in aid to the most vulnerable.

The economic plan, which Collins will co-sponsor, was filed at the Capitol today and could be in final form for possible votes should lawmakers be called back into session this summer.