Activists plan to put pressure on Cook County commissioners to pass the so-called "Responsible Business Act."

Supporters of the proposed legislation, backed by the groups IIRON and National People's Action, are expected to demonstrate at the Cook County Board chambers ahead of Wednesday's meeting.  

Under the Responsible Business Act, introduced in October by Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele (D-Chicago), large corporations in Cook County would have to provide their workers with a "living wage" or pay a fee to help fund public services. The measure, which has no listed cosponsors, has been referred to the board's Finance Committee. 

IIRON leader Michael Collins is among the activists calling for passage of the Responsible Business Act. 

"I am going to pay my taxes on April 15, and I value the public infrastructure, education and health care my taxes make possible," he said in a statement. "But when big corporations pay poverty wages, they push the true cost of doing business onto their workers and taxpayers. We are effectively subsidizing corporate profits with a portion of our sales tax dollars."

Check out Progress Illinois' past coverage of the Responsible Business Act here and here.