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$20/hr Minimum Wage Proposal
Democrats at the Wisconsin Capitol are, once again, looking to hike the minimum wage.
A number of Democrats on Tuesday introduced a plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an-hour to $15. And then raise it incrementally to $20 an-hour by 2030.
“At a time when workers are the most productive in history and profits are at record highs, $7.25 an-hour cannot pay the monthly bills in Green Bay or anywhere in Wisconsin,” Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, D-Green Bay said.
People who also earn tips, like servers and bartenders, can make as little as $2.33 an-hour.
But the Democrat's message was not just about the minimum wage. A number of lawmakers said what Wisconsin needs is a "living wage."
“The rising cost of basic necessities including housing, food, and health care undermines the stability of our workers, families, and communities. While rising costs continue to receive attention––as they should––suppressed wages require our attention as well,“ Rep. Angelina Cruz, D-Racine said.
Democrat candidate for governor Kelda Roys also chimed-in.
“Currently, more than 1 million Wisconsin workers earn less than a living wage," Roys, D-Madison, said. A ‘free’ market that doesn’t give families enough freedom to survive is a failed market. And we don’t have to accept it."
Wisconsin's minimum wage is tied to the federal minimum wage, which is also $7.25 an-hour. But very few workers actually make the minimum wage. Many workers make $14 for entry-level jobs.
Business groups in the state say if Democrats succeed in raising the minimum wage they will have to raise prices, or lay some workers off.
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