For Immediate Release
January 24, 2020
Contact: Katherine Levasseur
(802) 828-2245
VERMONT HOUSE APPROVES INCREASING STATE MINIMUM WAGE
Montpelier, VT - Today, the Vermont House approved S.23, the Minimum Wage bill, on a vote of 93-54.
The current minimum wage in Vermont is $10.96 per hour. Under the new proposal, this would increase to $11.75 on January 1, 2021 and then to $12.55 a year later.
“This proposal is a compromise that reflects the legislature’s commitment to supporting families and communities throughout the state by giving our lowest wage earners a much-needed raise. Increasing the minimum wage not only strengthens our families and our workforce, it empowers the greater economy to evolve to serve the needs of present and future Vermonters.”
House General Housing and Military Affairs Committee Chair, Representative Tom Stevens (D-Waterbury) further affirmed, “We all know that the simplest and most direct way to help low income Vermonters is to raise their income, and our job is provided a floor for that income. We know it is not yet a livable wage, but when we have an opportunity to put more money in Vermonter’s pocket, we have a responsibility to do so.”
House Majority Leader, Representative Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington) stated, “working and middle income families are the engines of our economy. By raising wages, Vermonters can better take care of their basic needs, their families and help our communities thrive. I am proud that on a tri-partisan vote, we passed this important pay raise for our constituents in need.”
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