Moylan, Thillens disagree on whether to raise state minimum wage
Among the issues separating 55th District State House candidates Marty Moylan and Mel Thillens - competing in one of this year's most closely watched legislative races - is the minimum wage.
Moylan, the incumbent Democrat elected two years ago, supports a statewide increase from $8.25 to $10 an hour - echoing a push by Gov. Pat Quinn in his re-election campaign.
Thillens, Park Ridge park board president and vice president of the Chicago armored truck company that bears his family name, thinks Illinois' minimum wage should remain the same, and the issue should be addressed on the federal level.
Moylan and Thillens outlined their positions on the minimum wage, among other issues, during an interview Wednesday with the Daily Herald editorial board.
A former union representative with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Moylan said Thillens is "out of touch" with voters, many of whom have told him they favor an minimum wage increase.
"The truth is more people in the middle class are working at fast food restaurants trying to raise families on the minimum wage," Moylan said. "It should be at least $10 an hour."
Thillens said Illinois already is at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states - a reason he believes there should be a consistent federal minimum wage.
At his company, Thillens says he has 115 employees, all of whom make at least $10 an hour.
"That's what the market dictates," he said.
An advisory question will appear on the November ballot asking voters if they think the state's minimum wage should increase from $8.25 to $10.
Moylan also supports a so-called millionaires tax, which would add a 3 percent tax to incomes above $1 million as a way to raise more money for schools. The legislation, proposed by House Speaker Michael Madigan last spring, failed to get enough support from House Democrats - and didn't get any support from Republicans.
Madigan said his plan would have raised an additional $1 billion - about $550 per student.
Thillens said he isn't in favor of adding a new tax, and believes the legislation would further push businesses and residents from Illinois.
The 55th District includes portions of Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows.
Daily Herald political reporter Mike Riopell contributed to this report.