Representative Hager proposes North Dakota minimum wage increase to $9.25 per hour

In a pivotal meeting of the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee, Representative Lori Beth Hager passionately advocated for a significant change to North Dakota's minimum wage. Standing before her colleagues, she highlighted the pressing need for a raise, particularly in her district, which is one of the poorer areas in the state. With nearly 5,000 residents living in apartments and mobile homes, Hager's constituents face economic challenges that demand urgent attention.

Hager introduced House Concurrent Resolution 30 32, a proposal aimed at placing a measure on the general election ballot to raise the state minimum wage from the federal standard of $7.25 to $9.25 per hour. This increase, while still below the recommended living wage of $15, is seen as a crucial step towards alleviating poverty for many workers in North Dakota. Hager emphasized that the current minimum wage has not been adjusted since 2009, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise.

The resolution also proposes a yearly cost of living increase, a move that Hager argues is essential for keeping North Dakota competitive with neighboring states like Minnesota and South Dakota, which have already implemented higher minimum wages. She pointed out that many workers earning minimum wage are not just young people entering the workforce; they include elderly individuals returning to work and those facing economic hardships.

Hager's rationale for the increase is threefold: to remain competitive with adjacent states, to ensure that North Dakota residents can earn a living wage, and to establish a state-level minimum wage that reflects the needs of its citizens rather than relying solely on federal standards. She noted that an employee earning $9.25 per hour would still fall below the poverty line, but it would provide a much-needed boost compared to the current wage.

As the committee deliberated, the implications of this resolution became clear. Raising the minimum wage could stimulate the local economy by allowing workers to spend more, ultimately benefiting small businesses. Hager's proposal is not just about numbers; it represents a commitment to improving the lives of thousands of North Dakotans who are currently struggling to make ends meet. The discussion around this resolution is expected to continue, as lawmakers weigh the potential impact on both workers and businesses in the state.