Minnesota marches forward while Oklahoma falls back -

[TBF]

At a time when many states and cities are working passing minimum wage increases, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) has gone in the opposite direction and signed a law banning cities from passing higher wages. The bill also bans them from enacting paid sick days or vacation requirements.

The law will stymie the efforts of activists in Oklahoma City, where a labor federation has led the push on a petition to raise the city’s minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. The state’s current minimum has been set at the federal level of $7.25. In 2012, 64,000 workers in the state earned $7.25 an hour or less, making up 7.2 percent of all hourly workers, a larger share than the 4.7 percent figure for the country as a whole.

Fallin said she signed the bill out of the worry that higher local minimum wages “would drive businesses to other communities and states, and would raise prices for consumers.” She also argued that “most minimum wage workers are young, single people working part-time or entry level jobs” and that “many are high school or college students living with their parents in middle-class families.” She warned that increasing the minimum wage “would require businesses to fire many of those part-time workers” and harm job creation ...

More here: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/04/15/3426716/oklahoma-ban-minimum-wage-paid-sick-leave/

And the Minnesota story:

Minnesota makes history with largest minimum wage hike

Article by: BAIRD HELGESON , Star Tribune
Updated: April 14, 2014 - 10:18 PM

The bill, signed into law Monday, will raise the base wage from $6.15 to $9.50 an hour and give raises to more than 325,000 Minnesotans.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law the largest minimum wage increase in state history Monday, giving raises to more than 325,000 Minnesotans and making good on a signature Democratic pledge during an election year.

The move to a $9.50 base hourly wage catapults the state from one of the lowest minimum wages to one of the highest once it is fully phased in by 2016. The state’s base wage will be tied to inflation starting in 2018, ensuring the buying power of the state’s lowest-paid workers keeps better pace with the cost of living.

“Minnesotans who work full time should be able to earn enough money to lift their families out of poverty, and through hard work and additional training, achieve the middle-class American dream,” the DFL governor said, surrounded by legislators, workers and labor leaders at a ceremonial bill-signing in the State Capitol rotunda. “These are people, good Minnesotans all over the state, who just want to work and get paid something that is fair.”

More here: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/255265041.html

[Jefferson23]

1. I first read this in GD, how in the hell is that even legal to pass such a ban?

Her reasoning is off the wall.

[TBF]

2. She is either lying or living in la la land -

no comprehension of what the majority of people in this country are going through and frankly doesn't seem to care. It's deplorable.

I included the Minnesota bit for a good news story - at least we are making progress in some places.

[Jefferson23]

3. Wonderful news in Minnesota. Fallin needs to be challenged..disgusting. n/t

[Starry Messenger]

4. That *can't* be legal.

I just refuse to believe that that loophole was left open for the state Exec to exert that kind of control.

[Politicalboi]

5. WOW!!!! $9.50 in

2 FUCKING years. We're already behind. I HATE when they think this is so bitchen when it ain't. Granted, it is forward, but too far away. Even if Obama was able to make it $10.10, that is still too low, and it won't start for another 2 to 3 years. EVERY year it should go up by a dollar. So start at $10.10. By 2019 minimum wage would be $15.10. No cost of living wage hike till 2024 of a dollar more an hour for 5 years. It's still too low for what wages should be, but it's at least a "living" wage.

[socialist_n_TN]

6. Yep. Better than a sharp stick in the eye maybe, BUT........

I'm tired of talking about a "minimum" wage. I'm ready to talk about a living wage tied to the cost of living in each area. Along with job sharing AT FULL PAY for until everyone who wants a job, HAS one.

[TBF]

7. I hear ya -

Minimum wage used to buy more: http://www.raisetheminimumwage.com/facts/entry/amount-with-inflation/

I would argue that it should be at least double what they recommend - I'd like to see $20 as a minimum. Corporations can definitely afford it if they can afford to pay their officers multi-million dollar packages. I think we all know where the cuts need to be made.

[Cal Carpenter]

8. Yeah, innit sad when this is supposed to be seen as a victory

for the workers....

Only people who are far removed from a minimum wage life can act like this is anywhere near good enough.

Meh.