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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL)

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HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERS AGREE TO MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

Monday, April 7, 2014

Today Minnesota House and Senate leaders agreed on a deal to give 357,000 Minnesotans a raise by approving a $9.50 minimum wage for large employers. They also agreed to index the minimum wage to inflation so that Minnesota workers will see the benefit of rising wages every year. The House and Senate leaders agreed to remove some important provisions from the House bill, including a 40 hour work week for overtime and 12 week unpaid sick leave provision, and those changes made a final agreement possible. The index to inflation provision also includes an option for the commissioner of labor and industry to stop a one-time inflationary wage increase in certain economic circumstances. Rep. Ryan Winkler made the following statement:

"More and more Minnesotans are having a harder time supporting themselves and their families through work. By raising the minimum wage to $9.50 and indexing it to inflation, we set a higher floor for all workers' wages, and ensure inflation does not erode those wages in the future. The thousands of Minnesotans who worked together to pressure lawmakers to pass a strong minimum wage bill deserve the credit for this important step. Without faith, labor and non-profit leaders stepping forward, Minnesota workers would not be looking forward to a pay increase today. All Minnesotans should recognize that engaged citizens possess the real power to improve our state. We believe that people who work should not have to live in poverty; by passing a minimum wage increase we make our economy better reflect our values."