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Representative proposes ballot referendum to raise North Dakota minimum wage to $9.25 with annual COLA
Summary
Representative Lori Beth Hager introduced House Concurrent Resolution 30‑32 on behalf of low‑wage workers and asked the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee to place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would raise North Dakota’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.25 an hour beginning January 2027 and tie future increases to the consumer price index.
Representative Lori Beth Hager introduced House Concurrent Resolution 30‑32 on behalf of workers she said are earning wages that leave them in or near poverty.
"I stand before you today to offer House Concurrent Resolution 30 32," Representative Lori Beth Hager told the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee, describing the measure as a proposal to raise North Dakota’s minimum wage from the federal level of $7.25 an hour to $9.25 an hour and to provide an annual cost‑of‑living adjustment tied to the consumer price index.
The nut graf: HCR 30‑32 would put a constitutional amendment on the 2026 general election ballot asking voters to increase the state minimum wage to $9.25 per hour beginning January 2027 and to authorize automatic January 1 adjustments thereafter based on the CPI. Supporters said the change would reduce poverty and help employers recruit and retain employees; opponents said the state’s tight labor market and rising wages without a statutory safety valve could push firms to automate or otherwise raise costs.
Hager said her district includes large numbers of renters and mobile‑home residents and that she has repeatedly introduced minimum‑wage measures. She framed the resolution as a voter choice: "This year I am presenting a resolution so the people of our state can decide whether or not to increase the minimum wage for North Dakotans," she said. Hager told the committee she selected $9.25 as a compromise figure that would be higher than the federal rate while remaining below surrounding states’ averages.
Several residents spoke in favor. Andrew Alexis Farvel of Bismarck said raising the bottom wage would help employers recruit workers and serve as a signal that North Dakota values workers. "Raising the bottom wage makes a certain amount of sense," he told the committee. Andrea Grigsby, who identified herself as a Bismarck resident and massage therapist, said, "If we agree on these principles, then we must agree that $7.25 an hour for anyone is not enough."
Business and employer organizations testified in opposition. Eric Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, told the committee, "We believe the free market is working," citing the state's low unemployment rate and wage gains driven by labor demand. Mike Rood, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Marketers and Retail Association, said many employers already are offering starting wages substantially above the federal minimum and expressed concern a higher mandated floor and annual CPI increases would accelerate automation and put pressure on small businesses.
Committee members pressed Hager on details. Representative Casper asked whether the legislature could statutorily raise the wage instead of placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot; Hager said a statutory approach is possible but that recent sessions had not favored that route. Representatives asked whether tipped employees (restaurants, bars) were covered; Hager said she would seek legislative counsel because tips are treated differently under current law. Committee members also sought data on how many workers currently earn the federal minimum; Hager said she had been told the raw count was about 200 people statewide but did not provide a demographic breakdown.
The measure as presented would take effect in January 2027 if approved by voters and would then adjust annually on January 1 using the consumer price index. Hager said the proposal is intended as a starting point toward reducing poverty and improving workers’ ability to remain in North Dakota.
The committee did not take final action on HCR 30‑32 during the hearing noted in the transcript. The hearing included public testimony both for and against the resolution and several members requested follow‑up information, including current counts of workers at the minimum wage, treatment of tipped workers, and comparisons to neighboring states' rates.
Looking ahead: if the committee reports HCR 30‑32 favorably, the resolution would be placed on the 2026 general election ballot for voter approval or rejection.
