Bill > H1723

This bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development conduct a study to evaluate the economic impact of the first stage of minimum wage increases on unemployment rates within the commonwealth. This study will be led by the director of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or their appointed representative, and will also include representatives from the Department of Unemployment Assistance, the Department of Revenue, the Division of Labor Standards, and four public members appointed by the Governor who represent business owners from various organizations. The research will examine how the current minimum wage affects the cost of living and how the increased minimum wage influences job creation and unemployment. The findings and recommendations for any potential minimum wage adjustments for the following year are to be submitted in a report to the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate by May 1, 2015.