N.C. minimum wage likely to rise $1
Published: Fri, Jul. 07, 2006 11:13AM
Modified Fri, Jul. 07, 2006 04:00PM
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closeThe state minimum wage will likely go up $1 in January, to $6.15 an hour, giving more than 100,000 workers a raise.
The state Senate voted 32-8 giving the increase tentative approval. A final vote is expected early next week.
The bill would then go to Gov. Mike Easley for his signature. The House approved the bill in May.
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North Carolina would be one of about two dozen states that has a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum of $5.15 an hour, but would be alone among southeastern states.
Sen. Phil Berger, an Eden Republican, said raising the minimum would put North Carolina at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states in attracting businesses.
“We’re already at a competitive disadvantage because of taxes and regulatory policy,” he said. “It’s not a good idea to be out of step with our neighbors.”
Supporters said North Carolina is not in competition with neighboring states for minimum wage jobs.
“I want us to be a leader,” said Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, a Carrboro Democrat. “I don’t want us to be following.”
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