ST. PAUL, Minn. – On the first day of the 2014 legislative session, minimum wage advocates hosted a “Raise the Wage” rally in the Capitol rotunda. The state’s minimum wage rate will be a major topic of discussion at the Capitol. Advocates are calling for a raise to $9.50 an hour, a substantial raise. Minnesota is currently only one of four states – along with Arkansas, Georgia and Wyoming – that has a minimum wage lower than the federal rate.
State senator Patricia Torres Ray attended the rally and released the following statement:
“Raising the minimum wage is a matter of economic necessity. Too many hard-working people are unable to support themselves or their families with 2 or even 3 minimum wage jobs. We can’t allow people who are employed full-time to have to choose between food, clothing or housing.
I fully support a raise of the state minimum wage to $9.50 an hour. By raising this wage we will be able to lift people out of poverty and give more people a chance at success. This is good for people, our economy and our future.”
For information on this or any legislation, please contact Sen. Patricia Torres Ray at 651-296-4274 or by email at sen.patricia.torres.ray@senate.mn.
###