Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and Representative Angelina Cruz (D-Racine) have introduced a bill that would increase Wisconsin’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, with plans for it to reach $20 by 2030. The proposal comes after nearly two decades without an increase in the state’s minimum wage, which remains at the federal level of $7.25.
Supporters of the legislation point out that workers’ purchasing power has declined due to inflation, and many people in Wisconsin are finding it harder to afford basic needs. Thirty other states have already raised their minimum wages above the federal requirement.
In a statement, Senator Roys said: “Anyone putting in 40 hours a week assembling furniture in Arcadia or working in retail in Rib Lake deserves to earn a living wage. That is not a luxury — that is basic dignity.
“More than a million Wisconsin workers earn less than a living wage and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle tell us to trust the free market to set the minimum wage. A ‘free’ market that doesn’t give families enough freedom to survive is a failed market. And we don’t have to accept it.
“The million workers are childcare providers, support staff in our schools, CNAs, retail and grocery workers, farm workers, hotel housekeepers. No one working 40-hours per week should be living in poverty, struggling to put food on the table. Wisconsinites believe that an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay. Today, this legislation shows that we do too – everyone deserves the freedom to thrive.”
Senator Roys represents Dane County’s 26th Senate District and serves on several legislative committees including the Joint Committee on Finance and as ranking member of the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules. She also co-chairs the Reproductive Freedom working group and participates in the LGBTQ+ Caucus (official website).
Roys has previously contributed to criminal justice reforms and advanced compassionate care legislation (official website). She served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2009 until 2013 (official website), holds degrees from New York University and University of Wisconsin Law School (official website), and has been active with organizations such as Clean Lakes Alliance, ACLU of Wisconsin, and Common Cause (official website).
The proposed legislation will now move forward for consideration by state lawmakers.
