Ald. Tony Zielinski

(414) 405-1483

The City of Milwaukee would officially support Governor-elect Tony Evers’ plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour under a resolution from Alderman Tony Zielinski. Under current state law, the minimum wage for employees in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour, with some exceptions such as caddies and those who work primarily for tips.

As the minimum wage in Wisconsin has been unchanged since July 24, 2009, Alderman Zielinski says it is time to make a change: “For almost ten years our minimum wage has remained flat while costs of living have increased. It’s vital we start addressing this disparity once and for all.”

Milwaukee suffers from a high rate of poverty, with 28.4% of city residents living on incomes below the official federal poverty line. Ald. Zielinski says poverty makes it impossible for many Milwaukeeans to rent decent housing, provide adequate nutrition for themselves and their families, pay their utility bills, and give their children the support needed to succeed in school. He adds poverty also impacts health from persistent stress while raising the rate of crime and disorder in many of the city’s neighborhoods.

The proposal (file #181431) from Ald. Zielinski is anticipated to be taken up the Judiciary & Legislation Committee on Monday, January 7 at 1:30 p.m. in room 301-B in City Hall.

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