Florida's minimum wage rose by 14 cents on January 1st to $7.93 an hour. But two Democratic South Florida lawmakers say that doesn't go far enough. They’ve filed bills to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
The wage increase would also apply to workers who earn tips, like restaurant servers.
Cutler Bay Senator Dwight Bullard and Opa Locka Representative Cynthia Stafford say they’re trying to get more people out of poverty.“Our hope is to really take a proactive step in closing what has been a growing income and equality gap here, not only on the state of Florida, but in the country as a whole.” “It will also benefit the economy because if people are making more, they will spend more.”
Businesses say the wage increase would mean higher prices and job cuts.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce says it should be up to businesses to determine what they’re able to pay their employees.