This bill would raise Alaska’s minimum wage from $7.75 per hour to $8.75 per hour as of January 1, 2015. The bill would raise the minimum wage to $9.75 per hour as of January 1, 2016. The bill would adjust the minimum wage each year for inflation after 2016. The bill creates a method for this adjustment. Under the bill, if the adjusted minimum wage is less than one dollar over the federal minimum wage, Alaska’s minimum wage will be one dollar over the federal minimum. Tips or gratuities would not count toward the minimum wage.

The bill has a statement of findings and declaration. This statement gives reasons for the bill. The reasons pertain to quality of life for low income workers, the effect of increases in the cost of living, the relationship of the Alaska minimum wage to the federal poverty level, and the minimum wage in other states.

Should this initiative become law?