MA could pass US's highest minimum wage

WWLP TV

Updated: Jun 7, 2012 7:54 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) — This week marks the 100th anniversary of the nation’s first minimum wage law, which started in Massachusetts.

In 1912, the law only applied to women and children. Now, of course, it applies to everyone.

The Massachusetts Legislature is currently debating a bill to raise minimum wage from $8 per hour to $10. The change would give Massachusetts the highest minimum wage in the country.

With the cost of living so high these days, people 22News spoke with said that they would like to see an increase.

“Everything is going up as far as prices so our salaries should go up as well,” Kayla Alexander of West Springfield said.

“The gas is high, how are you expected to live like that?" said Fernando Diaz of Springfield.

An increase in the state minimum wage would affect more than a half a million workers.

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