MA Senate Passes Minimum Wage Bill

By: Marcelle Hutchins 11-22-13

Massachusetts State House.
Picture courtesy:
Chris MacDonald

Massachusetts may soon have a higher minimum wage.

The Massachusetts Senate has voted overwhelmingly to raise the Commonwealth’s minimum wage. The bill calls for a hike from $8 to $11 an hour. People who work for lower wages plus tips would also see an increase to $4 an hour.

Officials say the proposed minimum wage is still not enough to meet the cost of living.The bill will come before the House of Representatives in January.

There is also a push to let voters decide. Minimum wage supporters say they have now collected enough signatures to place a question on the 2014 ballot. They want voters to consider whether the minimum wage should go up to $10.50 in 2016.