Chicago's incremental minimum wage increase takes effect

CHICAGO — Minimum wage earners in Chicago will see a $1.75 hourly bump.

A city law raising the minimum wage to $13 by 2019 in increments will take effect Wednesday. The first increase will be from $8.25 to $10 an hour. After that it’ll go up by 50 cents in 2016 and 2017, then by $1 in July 2018 and 2019.

City officials estimate the move impacts about 200,000 workers.

Illinois’ rate is already $1 higher than the national rate of $7.25. Several attempts to raise it statewide have failed or stalled with legislators.

Chicago approved raising its rate in December. The issue was key in the 2014 elections and Chicago’s municipal earlier contest this year.

Proponents say the move helps families in need, while opponents claim it will kill jobs.