LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — At the start of 2025, 21 states raised their minimum wage, including Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
Local leaders say it’s time for Wisconsin to follow suit.
“I think increasing the minimum wage is a way to signal that we care about all Wisconsinites and that we want all Wisconsinites to have a job that gives them dignity and pays a living wage,” said Tara Johnson, the representative-elect for Wisconsin’s 96th assembly district.
Since 2009, when the minimum wage was last raised, prices have increased around 40% .
High costs are top of mind and Johnson says the minimum wage just isn’t cutting it anymore.
“Those economic issues were very often talked about when I was knocking on doors and since the campaign what I’ve been hearing from people.”
Yet some worry the policy change will actually lead to higher unemployment, arguing employers will cut minimum-wage positions they can no longer afford.
“A lot of these are first jobs and those are the people that are going to be particularly walloped when employers say ‘I just can’t afford $11, or $15 or what have you,'” said Patrick McIlheran, the policy director for the Badger Institute.