A bill to raise Illinois’ minimum wage passed the state Senate on partisan lines Thursday, Feb. 7, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker made a personal appeal to Democratic lawmakers at a private caucus prior to the vote. Senate Bill 1 received only Democratic votes as it passed by a 39-18 margin, putting the onus on the Illinois House to get the bill to Pritzker’s desk by his requested deadline of Feb. 20, when he is scheduled to give his budget address.