Lawmakers Propose Bill to Increase Minimum Wage to $20
A Push for Better Livelihoods
Lawmakers from Tennessee have recently introduced a bill in both the state House and Senate aimed at drastically increasing the minimum wage to $20 per hour. If successful, this bill may put an end to the palpable struggle shared by many Tennesseans under the weight of the current economic conditions.
The proposed increment is a significant leap from the $7.25 per hour minimum wage that has remained unchanged since 2009. For many living on this minimum wage, maintaining a stable lifestyle has become increasingly difficult.
“I call it, in between apartments. I’ve kept an apartment most of my life. However, due to the minimum wage situation and the rising costs of living, maintaining an apartment has become an uphill task”, said Nicholas, a restaurant worker.
Bill Details and Supporters
The protagonists behind this bill are State Representative Gloria Johnson from Knoxville and Senator Sara Kyle from Memphis. According to Johnson, if the cost of living adjustments were factored into the current minimum wage since 2009, the real value rests above $20 per hour.
“These companies are not paying workers their due”, argued Johnson, explaining the rationale for creating the bill. She aims to assist workers like Nicholas, whose $12 per hour pay is insufficient to afford necessities in Shelby County, as per the MIT livable wage calculator.
Possible Consumer Impact
Notwithstanding the potential relief for workers, small business owners express concern about the likely repercussions of a wage increase to consumers. “At the end of the day, business owners will not solely bear the costs. Some of these cost evaluations will be passed on to the consumer”, warns James Davis, owner of L.R. Clothier.
Despite such concerns, Representative Johnson remains optimistic. She stresses that higher disposable income will bolster spending at local businesses, thereby supporting the economic ecosystem.
“The more money working folks have in their pockets, the more they are going to spend. If you’re a small business worrying about wage hikes, remember, they will spend more in your business if they have more money in their pockets”, she confidently predicted.
Bill’s Progress
In the House, this bill has been sent to a committee for review. Similarly, in the Senate, after passing through 1st and 2nd consideration, the bill has been referred to a committee.
