Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A labor-related bill is a step away from the governor’s action. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), covers warehouse workers by requiring their employers to notify them of the daily production quote and also provide adequate break and meal times.

“What it’s going to do is allow workers an opportunity to not have to, basically, use the bathroom in a bottle,” Villanueva said, “because they’re so concerned with making sure that they were meeting the quota they were just told that morning when they walked into the warehouse.”

State Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) said it covers far too many employers and is a job killer.

“When you shut out or threaten 750,000 companies in the United States, that does not make you attractive,” said Lewis. “That does not provide the jobs – entry-level jobs. Warehouse jobs are entry-level.”

Villanueva said states with similar laws have not seen the effects Lewis describes. 

HB 2547 has passed the Senate, 35-15, and returns to the House.