Lawmakers start debate over minimum wage
Published 9:46 am Tuesday, February 26, 2013
ST. PAUL — Minnesota lawmakers are moving toward their first committee vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage.
The House Labor, Workforce and Regulated Industries Committee plans to vote Thursday on a bill that would increase the floor wage in three steps until it reaches $10.55 in August 2015. After that future increases would be pegged to inflation, which would automatically boost it without legislative votes.
On Monday, a House committee heard testimony from economists from left-leaning think tanks about benefits of a higher minimum wage.
Minnesota hasn’t raised its minimum wage since 2005. The minimum wage in Minnesota law is currently $6.15 per hour, though many workers automatically receive the higher federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
An all-Democratic state government gives good odds to a minimum-wage increase.