Lowest-paid workers get much-needed raise starting today

Minnesota’s lowest-paid workers get a much-needed raise starting Monday, Aug. 1, when the minimum wage increases by $1 an hour.

The increase, the first since 1997, was approved by the Minnesota Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty in May. The law boosts the state’s minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $6.15 per hour effective Aug. 1, 2005.

The legislation was passed after a coalition of labor, faith and community groups mobilized people in several key legislative districts. They called the increase a matter of fairness and said it would particularly help rural Minnesota.

For more information
Background and research about the minimum wage can be found on the JOBS NOW Coalition website, www.jobsnowcoalition.org

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