Some worker and immigrant rights groups are backing an Illinois Senate bill aimed at strengthening laws dealing with employers who shortchange or don't pay workers. Wage theft has been a longtime issue. Workers rights centers say it's getting worse with the downturned economy, especially for immigrants.

State Sen. William Delgado has introduced a bill that, among other things, says the Illinois Department of Labor can directly deal with wage theft claims of less than $3,000 instead of referring them to the Illinois Attorney General. The idea is to cut down cost and time. (please click on link to read full story)