A Minnesota House committee has approved an increase in the minimum wage, sending the legislation to the House floor.
On Wednesday, the House Commerce and Financial Institutions Committee approved an increase from the current $5.15 an hour to $6.65 in two steps by July 1, 2006. That's less than the $7-an-hour legislation approved by the Minnesota Senate, but still would go a long way to help low-wage workers, advocates said.
The Republican-dominated committee approved the increase without adding an amendment for a "tip penalty," which would have allowed employers to deduct tips before paying wait staff and other workers the minimum wage.
"Committee members were confronted by three tenacious waitresses and a bartender ? all of whom directly challenged the assumption of minimum wage opponents that low-wage workers need to 'know their place' in today's economy and accept less," the JOBS NOW Coalition reported in an e-mail to its members. The coalition has documented the inadequacy of the current minimum wage.
"Originally scheduled to gavel at 12:30 p.m., the committee did not meet until after 8 p.m., when minimum wage advocates finally had a chance to stand up and be counted," JOBS NOW reported. "Mankato businessman Todd Perkins explained the benefits of his higher wage business strategy. He strongly suggested that by treating their workers as their greatest asset, employers could take the high road to success."
If the full House approves the legislation, the differences between the Senate and House versions would have to be reconciled in conference committee. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has not indicated whether he would sign the measure.
Related article
House may act Wednesday on minimum wage
For more information
Visit the JOBS NOW website, www.jobsnowcoalition.org
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A Minnesota House committee has approved an increase in the minimum wage, sending the legislation to the House floor.
On Wednesday, the House Commerce and Financial Institutions Committee approved an increase from the current $5.15 an hour to $6.65 in two steps by July 1, 2006. That’s less than the $7-an-hour legislation approved by the Minnesota Senate, but still would go a long way to help low-wage workers, advocates said.
The Republican-dominated committee approved the increase without adding an amendment for a “tip penalty,” which would have allowed employers to deduct tips before paying wait staff and other workers the minimum wage.
“Committee members were confronted by three tenacious waitresses and a bartender ? all of whom directly challenged the assumption of minimum wage opponents that low-wage workers need to ‘know their place’ in today’s economy and accept less,” the JOBS NOW Coalition reported in an e-mail to its members. The coalition has documented the inadequacy of the current minimum wage.
“Originally scheduled to gavel at 12:30 p.m., the committee did not meet until after 8 p.m., when minimum wage advocates finally had a chance to stand up and be counted,” JOBS NOW reported. “Mankato businessman Todd Perkins explained the benefits of his higher wage business strategy. He strongly suggested that by treating their workers as their greatest asset, employers could take the high road to success.”
If the full House approves the legislation, the differences between the Senate and House versions would have to be reconciled in conference committee. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has not indicated whether he would sign the measure.
Related article
House may act Wednesday on minimum wage
For more information
Visit the JOBS NOW website, www.jobsnowcoalition.org