Illinois Governor JB Pritzker posted on X that he is offering Congress more than 200 policy proposals to take up on day one, starting with raising the federal minimum wage and putting the measure on President Donald Trump’s desk. The message, which referenced a Spectrum News report on the agenda, drew hundreds of replies. Online users questioned why a state governor was advancing a federal wish list and pointed to Illinois’s existing $15 minimum wage.
The post states: “Let’s start one by one, I’m offering over 200 policy proposals for Congress to get to work on Day One. And we can begin by putting raising the minimum wage on Donald Trump’s desk first.” It does not list the full set of proposals or specify a new wage amount.
The message follows the November 4 release of Pritzker’s “Fighting for Illinois: Day One Agenda,” announced in Chicago after he won a third term. According to state and federal sources, Illinois’s statewide minimum wage stands at $15 per hour for most adult workers, while the federal rate remains $7.25 and has not changed since 2009.
Democratic allies, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, described the broader agenda as a practical roadmap that could benefit working families beyond Illinois. Pritzker has told CNN separately that raising the federal minimum is “an easy way to start,” noting that a full-time job at $7.25 equals roughly $15,000 a year.
Responses to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s Call for a Federal Minimum Wage Increase
Some users on X and Facebook questioned a state governor advancing federal proposals and urged a focus on Illinois issues. One X commenter wrote, “I think maybe you forgot that you’re not a part of the federal gov’t. Take your wish list and GTFO. Maybe focus on Illinois.”
Another said, “Smoke and mirrors, worry about fixing IL. We already are over double the min wage.”
On Facebook, users posted “How about working on lowering taxes in Illinois!” and “These are federal issues that require Congress to act. I’d also love to see a Day One Agenda focused on the issues Illinois can actually control, like property taxes, government spending, and affordability.”
Others responded supportively on Facebook and related posts. Comments included “Bravo, JB!”, “Thank you JB for continuing your care and concern for all of America… We know you’ll continue your amazing work for all of us in Illinois!!”, “Go JB!”, and “Good man! Keep up the great work.”
One user wrote, “Visionary leadership means turning bold ideas into real opportunities. Your commitment to working families and economic dignity deserves recognition,” while another said, “Yes, put it out there to share with all those who can hit the floor running on day one.”
Pritzker’s call adds one more moment to the long-running debate over the federal minimum wage as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress. Whether the proposals move forward will depend on the new majorities and any response from the White House.
