Governor to sign minimum wage increase Monday

Advocates for a higher minimum wage plan to turn out a large crowd Monday when Governor Mark Dayton signs legislation raising the wage to $9.50 an hour.

The public bill-signing ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, in the rotunda of the state Capitol.

“All Minnesotans are invited to attend the event,” the governor’s office said.

After weeks of negotiations between the Minnesota House and Senate, legislators approved a measure that raises the state’s minimum wage from the current $6.15 an hour to $9.50 an hour by 2016.

Starting in 2018, the wage will be indexed to inflation, going up automatically when the cost of living rises. The legislation includes a minimum wage of $7.75 for employees of small businesses (defined as those under $500,000 in revenue) and a lower wage for workers in training.

“It’s a great week for all Minnesotans, but especially the 357,000 working Minnesotans who make less than $9.50 per hour,” Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson said.

“This legislation ensures that Minnesota’s minimum wage catches up to $9.50 per hour and will keep up with the cost of living.

“The Minnesota AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions are proud to be counted among the more than 70 diverse community, faith, labor, non-profit and service-based organizations that make up the Raise the Wage Coalition. While the vast majority of Minnesota’s union workforce makes well above the minimum wage, the Labor movement is committed to improving the lives of all working people . . .

“We look forward to seeing Governor Mark Dayton’s signature on this bill as he and the DFL majorities in the Legislature continue to build a better Minnesota.”