MassBudget: Minimum wage increase would raise earnings of low- and middle-income families

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MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. June 27, 2018 Minimum wage increase would raise earnings of low- and middle-income families In a well-functioning economy, people who work full time should be able to earn enough to support themselves and their families. That's important for families and for the overall economy, which relies on consumer spending to keep local businesses thriving. Last week, in response to a multiyear grassroots campaign, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted House Bill 4640, which, among other things, would increase the Massachusetts minimum wage from $11 an hour to $15 by 2023. The bill would also increase the minimum wage that employers are obligated to pay tipped workers from $3.75 to $6.75 by 2023. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) has published an analysis of the minimum wage provisions in the bill, which now awaits the Governor's signature or veto. The report, FAQ: The Massachusetts $15 Minimum Wage Proposal, finds the increase would raise the wages of about 840,000 Massachusetts workers, or 25 percent of the workforce. Of those who will be directly affected by a minimum wage increase, 90 percent are at least 20 years old, 56 percent are women, and 55 percent work full-time. Read the report here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today