The Illinois Senate has approved on increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15, over the next 6 years.  The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 39-18 last Thursday, based largely on party-lines.  The proposal would increase the $8.25-an hour minimum by $1.75 next year, then by $1 more every year until 2025.  Republicans complained the cost to employers would be too high and that it would cost jobs in Illinois.  They also say that the state government would pay a steep price to absorb the cost taxpayer-financed institutions, and those funded by Medicaid will have to pay.  Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford said that she is surprised to hear GOP lawmakers say that they do not want to help the working poor get off of public assistance rolls.  Governor JB Pritzker campaigned on the issue while campaigning for governor, with the Democrat governor discussing the legislation publicly as soon as possible.