As the cost of living continues to rise, Joliet Township becomes the latest local government to formally back efforts to eliminate the subminimum wage

The Joliet Township Board of Trustees voted recently to adopt a non-binding resolution expressing its strong support for One Fair Wage legislation in Illinois and across the country—joining a growing number of local governments standing in solidarity with service workers demanding fair wages, economic security, and dignity on the job.

The resolution urges the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers and ensure all workers are paid a full minimum wage with tips on top. It also calls on Congress to pass the federal Raise the Wage Act of 2025 (H.R. 2743), which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour and phase out the subminimum wage nationwide, stated in a Joliet Township Board release.

“Joliet Township is proud to stand with workers across Illinois and the nation in calling for fair wages for all,” said Township Supervisor Alicia Morales. “This is about basic dignity. Nobody who works full time—whether serving food, driving a bus, or caring for children—should be paid poverty wages. One Fair Wage is about ensuring all workers, especially women and people of color who have long been left behind, are finally paid what they’re worth.”

The subminimum wage for tipped workers in Illinois currently stands at just $8.40 per hour, nearly 40% lower than the state’s full minimum wage of $15. For many tipped workers—particularly Black and Latina women—this outdated system leads to unpredictable income, wage theft, and harassment, leaving them unable to keep up with the rising cost of living in communities like Joliet.

There are nearly 200,000 tipped workers in Illinois. The majority are women, and a significant share are workers of color who disproportionately work in casual dining establishments with lower tipping rates. Data shows these workers often live below the poverty line and rely on public assistance to survive.

While seven states—including California, Minnesota, and Nevada—have already eliminated the subminimum wage, ensuring all workers receive a full base wage plus tips, Illinois has yet to follow suit. The non-binding resolution passed by Joliet Township affirms the community’s commitment to economic justice and urges policymakers to act at every level of government.

Key Provisions of the Joliet Township Resolution:

  • Declares Joliet Township’s support for local, state, and federal legislation that eliminates the subminimum wage and ensures all workers are paid a full minimum wage.
  • Urges the Illinois General Assembly to pass One Fair Wage legislation that phases out the subminimum wage and protects workers from wage theft and tip exploitation.
  • Calls on Congress and Illinois’s federal delegation to support the Raise the Wage Act of 2025.
  • Encourages other municipalities and townships across Illinois to adopt similar resolutions to build momentum for change.
  • Commits Joliet Township to serve as a supporter of the Illinois One Fair Wage campaign, including participation in advocacy and education efforts.

“This resolution sends a clear message,” Morales said. “Joliet Township believes in wages people can live on—not wages that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence. We are proud to add our voice to the call for One Fair Wage for all.”