Minimum Wage

A major priority for the House, Senate and Governor is increasing the minimum wage. The last time the minimum wage was raised by the State of Minnesota was 2005. As a result of actions taken in 2005, the state’s minimum wage rate for large employers is $6.15 and $5.25 for small employers. The state’s minimum wage is so low that it is superseded by federal law because the federal government has established a higher rate ($7.25). Minnesota is one of four states that have a minimum wage rate below the federal minimum wage.

Marty bill would phase-in $15/hour minimum wage

The 2016 presidential campaign has illustrated the public’s appetite for economic justice and fair pay. Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) is leading the charge for a higher minimum wage here in Minnesota. Marty says it is time for the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to join the ranks of California, New York, and several cities across the country in boosting the minimum wage to $15 per hour. The provision is part of legislation, Senate File 3612, which aims to improve the financial well-being of low-income workers. Introduced on Monday, Sen. Marty’s Worker Justice Bill triples the working family tax credit, makes child care affordable for low income workers, and phases in the higher minimum wage.