Our Minimum Wage Study Committee continues its work, convening each week to learn more about and discuss the potential effects of a wage ordinance in St. Paul.
Each week, we provide an update on the focus of the meetings, our process, and media surrounding this issue. Sign up to receive this weekly update in your inbox.
In this update:
- Minimum wage increases in Minneapolis
- Join us July 17 for our Mind Opener Policy Breakfast
- Theater for Public Policy: The Great Minimum Wage Debate
- Next Meeting
- In the News
- Your Input
1. Minimum wage increases in Minneapolis
On Sunday, July 1, the minimum wage increased in Minneapolis to $10.25 an hour for small employers (fewer than 100 employees), and $11.25 for large employers.
*Source: City of Minneapolis http://minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov
As reported in the Star Tribune, the city of Minneapolis is getting the word out to employers by mail, e-mail, and on-the-ground canvassers throughout the summer.
Read more:
- Lowest-paid workers get a raise in Minneapolis on Sunday — Star Tribune, 6/29/2018
- Minimum wage increases in Minneapolis — Kare11.com, 7/1/2018
- Minimum Wage Goes Up In Minneapolis — WCCO, 7/2/2018
2. Join us July 17 for our Mind Opener Policy Breakfast
Attending each of our committee meetings is Thomas Durfee, the current project’s embedded researcher from the University of Minnesota where he is a PHD student in Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota.
For the committee, Mr. Durfee has condensed the findings in both the Citizens League’s Phase 1 report, as well as a separate report from the Roy Wilkins Center published in late 2016 evaluating the effects of a minimum wage increase in Minneapolis and Ramsey and Hennepin Counties.
On Tuesday, July 17, Mr. Durfee will present his work at our next Mind Opener. Join us for this intimate presentation and discussion at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill. Coffee and continental breakfast is provided.
Tickets are limited!
Mind Opener: Understanding St. Paul Minimum Wage Considerations
Tuesday, July 17, 7:30a-8:30a
Downtowner Woodfire Grill
253 7th Street W
Saint Paul, MN 55102 (map)
$10 for Citizens League Members
Complimentary coffee and continental breakfast included
3. Theater for Public Policy: The Great Minimum Wage Debate
On the lighter side of the minimum wage discussion…
On the evening of July 17, The Theater for Public Policy will take on The Great Minimum Wage Debate in St. Paul.
The show will open with a lively panel discussion, which leads to a series of improv comedy sketches based on the conversation.
The panel will include Saint Paul City Councilmember Rebecca Noecker and two members from our committee: B Kyle, president/CEO of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and Veronica Mendez Moore, Co-Director of Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL; Center of Workers United in Struggle).
Described “As if C-SPAN were suddenly swarmed by the cast of SNL,” The Theater of Public Policy has garnered national media attention and fans for its unique blend of serious issues and improv comedy.
4. Next Meeting
The committee convenes after a break last week on Thursday, July 12, from 8:30-11:00am. They will hear from a panel with a tip penalty perspective (meaning they oppose a tip credit).
Committee meetings are open to be observed by the public. Details on meeting locations and times can be found on our project website: citizensleague.org/minwage
5. In the News
The following articles and online posts surrounding the minimum wage are not endorsed nor approved by the study committee. They are posted here and on our project page simply to provide context during the committee’s work.
- Nine business owners give their thoughts on a $15 minimum wage in St. Paul — Pioneer Press, 7/7/2018
- Minimum Wage Study Committee: Week 8 Recap — Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, 7/10/2018
6. Next Meeting
Community input helps inform committee discussions. Each week, all input provided is reported to and discussed by the committee.
If you have a question or a comment, please click here for our comment form, contact us at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 651-401-2474.
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