Louisiana Lawmakers Vote Down Bill To Raise Minimum Wage, Advance Bill More Than Doubling Their Salaries

The Associated Press reports:

Efforts to increase Louisiana’s minimum wage, which currently aligns with the federal rate of $7.25 an hour, were rejected in a Republican-controlled legislative committee Wednesday — a day after lawmakers advanced a bill that would double their own salaries.

The failed bill would have gradually increased the state’s minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2024 and to $14 an hour in 2028. Louisiana has the second-highest poverty rate in the country, with nearly 19% of the population impoverished, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

On Tuesday, lawmakers in a House committee voted, 8-4, in favor of a bill that would increase state legislators’ pay. The current salary of lawmakers is $16,800. The bill would raise pay to 75% of the state median income, which would be about $40,000.

Read the full article. 

Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder [photo] first appeared here in 2016 for his bill to repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet law. Last month he launched his campaign for Louisiana secretary of state.

Story: Louisiana lawmakers reject minimum wage hike a day after advancing bill to raise their own pay #lagov #lalege https://t.co/P4k4ja6MS0

— Greg Hilburn (@GregHilburn1) May 3, 2023