CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Two Democratic lawmakers from Cheyenne are sponsoring legislation that would raise Wyoming’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $9 per hour.
State Sen. Floyd Esquibel says it’s difficult for workers to earn a living on the current minimum wage. State Rep. James Byrd also is sponsoring the bill.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour almost always is the rate paid in Wyoming because federal law trumps state law. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports (https://bit.ly/1cmlazE ) an exception is the rare job that doesn’t involve interstate trade.
The bill also would boost the minimum wage for tipped employees from $2.13 to $5 an hour.
Opponents of raising the minimum wage include the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association. The group says higher labor costs could reduce job opportunities for restaurant workers.
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, https://www.wyomingnews.com
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