Advocates call for New Hampshire minimum wage increase to $15 amid poverty concerns

New Hampshire workers may soon see a significant change in their paychecks as discussions surrounding a proposed increase to the state’s minimum wage gained momentum during a recent meeting of the House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee. Advocates are pushing for a gradual increase to $15 an hour by 2028, a move they argue is essential for lifting many workers out of poverty.

Currently, the federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009. In New Hampshire, approximately 5,000 workers earn at or below this rate, with an additional 10,000 making less than $10 an hour. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 10 workers in the state earn less than $15 an hour, highlighting a pressing need for wage reform.

A retired teacher, who spoke at the meeting, emphasized the struggles faced by low-wage workers, noting that even full-time employment at the current minimum wage results in an annual income of just $15,080—below the federal poverty level of $15,650 for an individual. The speaker pointed out that the living wage in various counties across New Hampshire far exceeds the current minimum wage, with figures reaching nearly $19 an hour in Coos County and over $25 in Rockingham County.

The proposed bill aims to address these disparities by incrementally raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. However, critics argue that even this increase may not be sufficient to meet the living wage standards projected for the near future.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this critical issue, the outcome could have lasting implications for thousands of workers in New Hampshire, potentially reshaping the economic landscape and improving the quality of life for many families across the state. The next steps in this legislative process will be closely watched by advocates and workers alike, as they await a decision that could significantly impact their livelihoods.