Chicago City Wire

John William Zimmers, a candidate for Illinois House District 19, has proposed capping part-time worker pay at $70,000 to prevent excessive compensation. This statement was made during an interview.

"Capping the run-away compensation for part time workers," said William Zimmers. "No one should be making $292,000 a year with two part time jobs. These jobs should be capped at $70,000.00. If you can't make it on 70K a year, go get another part time job and see what that pays you."

Illinois is currently engaged in discussions regarding wage and compensation policies, particularly concerning part-time and public sector workers. According to the Illinois Department of Labor, the state's Equal Pay Act mandates equal pay for substantially similar work. New salary transparency rules set to take effect in 2025 will require employers to disclose pay scales and benefits, aiming to enhance fairness in both public and private workplaces.

While specific averages for part-time wages in Illinois are limited, national data offers some context. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median weekly earnings for part-time wage and salary workers were $396 in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, Chicago-area hourly wages were higher than the national average, indicating stronger local pay rates even for reduced schedules.

Some part-time public positions in Illinois command significant salaries. DuPage County’s 2025 compensation report indicates that part-time County Board Members earn approximately $52,102 annually. Watchdog groups have highlighted instances of officials receiving multiple public paychecks, fueling debates over role expectations and taxpayer value in part-time governance.

Zimmers is running for the House of Representatives in Illinois’ 19th District. A lifelong real estate professional, he has experience as an asset/property manager, lender, and residential broker over the past twelve years. He emphasizes schools, taxes, safety, transportation, and shopping as key community factors. With Illinois losing 2.1 million residents since 2000 and having more layers of government than much larger states, Zimmers advocates for curbing government growth and reversing the state’s decline. He frames his campaign as a fight to secure a better future for parents, children, and grandchildren.

The Illinois House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature with 118 members elected to two-year terms without limits. According to the Illinois General Assembly, the House shares lawmaking and budgeting authority with the Senate and Governor. District 19 encompasses neighborhoods on Chicago’s Northwest Side and assigns its representative responsibility for local taxes, schools, and safety policy.