The Senate Commerce Committee today approved legislation spear-headed by Sens. Doug Jackson (D-Dickson) and Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) that would set Tennessee’s minimum wage at $6.15 an hour, up from the current rate of $5.15 an hour. The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 1997.
“This legislation is a moral test for the General Assembly,” Sen. Jackson said. “It’s morally wrong for us to continue to keep those at the low end of the wage scale down. We have one of the largest gaps between rich and poor of any state in America. That’s wrong.”
Sen. Jackson applauded the Commerce Committee for approving the legislation.
“Today’s vote is a statement that the General Assembly respects the hard-working people of this state,” Sen. Jackson said. “This bill is moving in the House and today’s action means it will move forward in the Senate. We’re moving closer to restoring the minimum wage to the purchasing power it had when it was last raised in 1997.”
Committee members supporting the bill were committee chair Jerry Cooper and members Kathryn Bowers, Charlotte Burks, Tommy Kilby, and Mike Williams. All but Williams are Democrats.
“The time for a minimum wage increase is now,” Sen. Jackson said. “We can’t keep waiting for the federal government to act. I look forward to advancing this bill to the Senate floor and I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.”