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2021 & A $15/Hour Minimum Wage Rate

 

As we close in on the end of 2020, attention has started to turn toward 2021 and where the nationwide fight for a $15/hour minimum wage rate might lead.

Readers will likely recall that a $15/hour minimum wage rate is common in some parts of the country such as New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.  While these traditionally liberal leaning states approving a statewide $15/hour minimum wage rate is not necessarily much of a surprise, it is noteworthy that voters in Florida approved a $15/hour statewide minimum wage rate last month.  That has lead many to suggest that if a more “middle of the road” state can approve a $15/hour minimum wage rate, a $15/hour minimum wage rate might be possible in any corner of the country.

There are of course a few things that could prevent that from immediately happening and it starts with the coronavirus pandemic.  With many employers struggling to keep the lights on and make ends meet right now, having to juggle rising labor costs is no small chore.  With that being said, Florida voters did approve the $15/hour minimum wage legislation during the midst of the pandemic...so perhaps this might not be as much of an obstacle.  Proponents of a $15/hour wage rate also have to deal with large scale pro-employer lobby groups that will aggressively spend to keep a nationwide $15/hour minimum wage rate from becoming a reality.  However, with an incoming Presidential administration that will likely be more employee friendly, things might not be as bleak as they could be.

For the time being, attempting to approve a $15/hour minimum wage rate state by state might be the most feasible option (in the short term.)  Should Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, they would have the votes to block a change to the federal minimum wage rate.  I would be surprised if Democrats could find enough Senators from across the aisle to get a $15/hour minimum wage rate approved at the nationwide level.

Then again, never say never.  Stay tuned.

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