An effort to raise the minimum wage in Utah to $10.25 per hour would cost the state about $20 million annually.
Why the big fiscal note? Look no further than Utah’s education system.
Rep. Lynn Hemingway, sponsor of HB 73, says about half of that money would go to public education employees, while the other half would go to workers in higher education.
“When I saw the fiscal note, I thought something was off kilter,” says Hemingway. “I asked our analyst to break it down for me. When he brought me those numbers, he was as shocked as I was.”
Hemingway says the fact his bill would have a profound impact in Utah’s public and higher education system shows Utah doesn’t value the people who work in those sectors.
“It says we hire people because they have to work, not because we value what they do for a living. We have to value people and value the fact that people need to make a living wage so they can educate your kids and feed their own kids. They’re not on medicaid, they’re not on food stamps. It just makes so much sense to me.”
Hemingway knows his bill will generate some pushback. Critics claim raising the minimum wage will put a hardship on businesses.
“I’m not trying to kill business. I’m trying to let these people feel a little self respect and make them feel like they’re worthwhile. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. If it is, then I’m wrong.”
