Senate Bill to Give Local Control of Minimum Wage Passes Committee

April 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass HB19-1210, Local Government Minimum Wage, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to give local governments the ability to raise the minimum wage if they choose. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

“Every community is different and should be allowed the flexibility to set their own minimum wage,” said Senator Danielson. “We need to seek out ways to help workers stay afloat as costs of living continue to rise, and I am confident this bill is a smart solution to helping families across Colorado. By giving local governments the ability to set their own minimum wage, we can give more hardworking Coloradans a fair shot at economic success and financial security.”

Studies of local minimum wage laws have shown they can increase earnings for workers without negatively affecting employment. This bill will allow local governments to set their own minimum wage laws whenever they determine it is in the best interest of their community.

“Families in every part of Colorado are facing increasing costs of living and stagnant wages. It’s simply too hard for too many families to keep up with these rising costs,” said Senator Moreno. “Putting local governments back in charge and giving them the opportunity to raise their minimum wage can lift up entire communities and ensure Coloradans are paid the living wage they deserve. I am proud that this bill is well on its way to becoming law.”

HB19-1210 passed the Colorado House of Representatives on March 11, 2019 by a vote of 40-24-1. To learn more about this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1210.

###