Minimum Wage |

There are 14 states that have changed their minimum-wage law since January 2014. The effective minimum wage has increased in 26 states and D.C. since January 2014. 23 sub-state localities have adopted minimum wages above their state minimum wage.

There are 29 states and D.C. that have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage. The minimum wage is indexed for inflation in 15 states and D.C., meaning it is automatically adjusted each year for increases in prices. There are 7 states that have no minimum-wage law or a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage. The federal minimum wage applies in all of these states. Only D.C. has a minimum wage higher than $10.
Economic Policy Institute – Minimum Wage Tracker

Because of preemption of minimum wage in 2003. Cities in Texas are denied the ability to determine their own wages.

We believe there should be other means to helping poor and middle class families living in the city of Houston.

Problems:

If Starbucks reallocated money from share repurchases to compensation, every worker could get a $7,000 raise.

If the money currently spent on buybacks, Lowe’s, CVS, and Home Depot could give each of their workers raises of at least $18,000 a year.

Solutions:

Make the republicans in the Texas legislature look ridiculous by tying the current minimum wage of $7.25 to inflation. This roughly comes out to a 5 cent raise every year

A $15 minimum wage would only cause a 4.3% increase at fast food restaurants

Prohibit city contractors from including poaching clauses

Create a ballot initiative to pass a $15 minimum wage for IAH and Hobby airports similar to a ballot initiative in Denver

Advocate for ending no-poach clauses in employee contracts which push wages downwards for fast food workers (similar to other states here, here and here)

Implement a $15 minimum wage for 8,000 city employees, city contractors and subcontractors

Advocate for youth under the age of 18 to have a $15 minimum wage

Texas Constitution
Code – Labor
Chapter – 62 Minimum Wage
Section – 62.0515 Application of Minimum Wage to Certain Government Entities; Certain Agreements with Governmental Entities

American Legislative Exchange Council – Living Wage Mandate Preemption Act

Analysis of Who Would Benefit from a Minimum Wage Increase in Harris County

Houston Chronicle – Alternatives to Raising Minimum Wage

Restaurants and grocery chains are leading the fight against a $6.50 minimum wage in Houston

EPI – 20 States Raise Their Minimum Wages While the Federal Minimum Continues to Erode

Wall Street Journal – Better Than Raising the Minimum Wage

Polling indicate that 55 percent of Texas voters support increasing $10 minimum wage

NELP Applauds Veto of Missouri Legislation Barring Local Action on Minimum Wage

S.F., Oakland Mayors Push for State Minimum Wage Increase

Santa Fe to raise minimum wage to $10.91 per hour

Lexington council agrees to consider ordinance to raise minimum wage to $10.10 an hour

Council Changes Timeline For Las Cruces Minimum Wage Increases