By Kirk Johannesen, The Republic
johannesen@therepublic.com
Last of a four-part series
Workers in low-wage jobs across the country have the possibility of receiving higher paychecks if a majority of politicians get their wish.
The minimum wage has been a significant issue in the state Legislature and Congress this session.
In Indiana, three House bills and three Senate bills propose increasing the wage.
A proposed federal minimum wage hike has gained support in the U.S. House and Senate, but is being shaped to include tax breaks that President Bush wants.
State issue
The bills in the state Legislature propose increases ranging from $6 on Sept. 1 to $9 on July 1, 2009.
Some bills included provisions for workers under ages 18 and 20. One bill would have eliminated the training wage and increased the wages of tipped employees.
House Bill 1027 has received the strongest support. It passed the House 71-29 Jan. 30 and was sent to the Senate, where it was assigned to the Pensions and Labor Committee.
HB 1027 proposes raising the minimum wage to:
$6 on Sept. 1.