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Vermont's Minimum Wage to Increase

By Pat Bradley

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998463.mp3

Montpelier, VT – On Sunday, the minimum wage in Vermont will increase 31 cents - from $8.15 an hour to $8.46. Vermont Commissioner of Labor Annie Noonan explains that the rate in Vermont is tied to the inflation rate.

University of Vermont Associate Professor of Economics Elaine McCrate says the increase simply means workers will be able to keep up with increased prices.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Executive Director Andrea Cohen says most members of the group are committed to a higher liveable wage.

Labor Economist Elaine McCrate says the current increase is fairly moderate and should not unduly strain employers.

Hunger Free VT Executive Director Marissa Parisi notes that the increase means that minimum wage workers will receive just over 600-dollars more per year. She says while that will help with basic needs, it's not a liveable wage.

Eight states will increase the minimum wage on New Year's Day. Vermont's wage will be the third highest in the country.