Minimum Wage Proposal Advances in NC

Last week, after months of complicated maneuvering, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted to raise the state's minimum wage by $0.85/hour, from $5.15/hour, to $6.00/hour.

Approximately 100,000 Tar Heel workers would benefit directly from the proposed hike, according to an analysis of census data. Half of the affected workers are age 25 or older, and one-third work full time. In terms of employment, affected workers are disproportionately represented in the retail trade/hospitality industry and in sales/service occupations.

The measure, which passed by an essentially party line vote of 62-57, resulted from the efforts of the House's Black Legislative Caucus and a diverse group of legislators from across the state with the help of various faith-based, grassroots and progressive advocacy groups.

The measure now goes to the state Senate, which passed a different version of the increase, for concurrence. Because the legislature is poised to adjourn for the year, further action is unlikely until the legislature reconvenes in May.

If the increase takes effect, North Carolina will become only the second southern state with a minimum wage higher than the federal one. A ballot initiative to raise Florida's minimum wage by $1.00/hour passed by large margins last November. All other southern states either set their minimums at the federal level or have no specific state law.