This 2026 legislative session, we are advocating for legislation to improve the safety, stability, and equity of working families across the state. Scroll down to learn about each bill and view our bill tracker for real-time information.
The Wage Justice Act
The cost of living has risen dramatically across Illinois, while wages have not kept pace. Housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare costs are squeezing working families, forcing too many people who work full-time to fall behind. At the same time, access to public supports like SNAP and Medicaid is becoming more restrictive, and federal changes threaten to deepen that strain. Wages are the most direct, durable way to ensure working people can meet their basic needs without piling up debt or pushing costs on taxpayers.
The Wage Justice Act (HB5367, SB3821) will enact a real, family sustaining minimum wage of $27 an hour by 2032 and automatic wage adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Illinois. This legislation also includes ending the subminimum wage for all people: tipped workers, youth under 18, and incarcerated people working in prisons.
More information is coming soon!
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act
At some point, nearly everyone needs time to recover from a serious illness, care for a sick loved one, or welcome a new child. But 62% of Illinois families cannot even take the unpaid leave they need without risking their jobs or their economic security.
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act (SB 2413, HB 3483) would enable working people to meet their health and caregiving needs, benefit businesses, reduce economic inequality and improve economic opportunities for all.
Learn more at the Time to Care Coalition Website →
The Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act
HB3762 or Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act (WETSA) is a bill that will protect workers from extreme temperature exposure at work by establishing clear temperature thresholds, requiring comprehensive worker safety plans, mandating essential workplace protections, providing emergency response procedures and worker training, and preventing retaliation.
Learn More at the Illinois Extreme Temperature Safety Coalition Website →
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