West Cook News

The Oak Park Board of Trustees took the upcoming countywide minimum wage hike off the table at its recent meeting following public outcry, according to OakPark.com.

The board had planned to discuss whether to opt out of the ordinance, as some municipalities have. Trustee Deno Andrews said the idea was to allow local businesses to be heard.

"I don't believe there would be a single vote [on the board] to opt out, but it doesn't negate the inherent issues with the law and how it would affect local businesses," Andrews told OakPark.com.

Oak Park Trustee Deno Andrews | http://www.oak-park.us/your-government/elected-officials

Andrews and other trustees interviewed by OakPark.com said they support the ordinance, which will increase the minimum wage to $10 on July 1, with annual $1 raises through 2020. 

"Honestly, I think the outpouring of comments from Oak Parkers to the village board made them reconsider whether or not they should move forward with this," Trustee Bob Tucker told OakPark.com. "I think the community spoke loud and clear on this, and it's a big win for Oak Park and Oak Park values… . I was thrilled to see that reaction, because I never wanted it on the agenda to begin with.”