Wisconsin lawmakers push for minimum wage hike, citing living wage calculation

Leaders of Wisconsin’s Living Wage Coalition held a town hall to discuss raising the state minimum wage. The group noted that nearly one-third of Wisconsin workers are paid less than $20 per hour. According to a calculation from MIT, $21.88 is the hourly wage needed for a single adult with no dependents to cover living expenses. State Representative Lee Snodgrass called for action, noting the minimum wage has not changed since its initial enactment.

Forty-three state lawmakers have introduced legislation to raise the minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2030, while also linking it to inflation. These lawmakers are currently urging the newly elected governor to sign the bill into law.