ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Minnesota’s minimum wage increased for the first time in nearly ten years. State Representative Jason Metsa (DFL – Virginia), a member of the conference committee that negotiated the details of the final bill, marked the occasion by recognizing the people who made it possible.
“Today is a day we should commend every single person who had a role in reaching this historic milestone,” said Metsa. “It was not easy, it was a bumpy ride, but we got here and it was all because working Minnesotans organized and stood up for their neighbors, their friends, themselves and their families.”
Metsa is well known as one of the closest allies of the broad coalition of labor, community and faith organizations that successfully fought for the minimum wage hike. He participated in the ‘minimum wage challenge’ (living on the minimum wage for one week) in each of the past two years to spotlight the enormous difficulties low-wage workers face in meeting their basic needs and supporting their families.
“Our work is not done,” added Metsa. “During next year’s legislative session, we need to redouble our efforts to improve the lives of working Minnesotans. I am confident we will make even more progress in the years ahead thanks to the courage and perseverance of Minnesotans who are committed to building an economy that works for everyone.”
Information about the minimum wage increase:
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By the numbers: Over 300,000 workers will receive a raise when the increase is fully implemented by 2016. Of those workers, 57 percent are women.
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Wage increases for large employers (businesses with gross sales over $500,000): $8.00 per hour in August 2014, $9.00 per hour in August 2015 and $9.50 per hour in 2016.
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Wage increases for smaller employers (businesses with gross sales under $500,000): $6.50 per hour in August 2014, $7.25 per hour in August 2015 and $7.75 per hour for smaller employers in 2016.
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The $7.75 minimum wage rate would also apply for large businesses in the following circumstances: 90 day training wage for 18 and 19 year olds, all 16 and 17 year olds and employees working under a J1 visa.
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Beginning in 2018, minimum wage workers will receive annual pay raises based on the rate of inflation, helping wages keep pace with the cost of groceries, gas, clothing and other necessities for working families.
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The annual increase could be suspended for one year by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) if leading economic indicators indicate the possibility of a substantial downturn in the economy. The suspension could only be implemented after a public hearing and public comment period. In better economic times, the suspended inflationary increase or a lesser amount could be added back into the minimum wage rate in a subsequent year.
Rep. Metsa encourages his constituents to contact him with any questions or feedback. He can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0170 or toll-free at (888) 682-3205, by email at rep.jason.metsa@house.mn or by postal mail at 521 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.