New Hampshire Senates Passes SB 10, to Re-establish and Raise Minimum Wage

March 21, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 10, 14-10, to re-establish and raise New Hampshire’s minimum wage. The legislation would raise the minimum wage to $10/hour in 2020 and $12 or $11/hour in 2021 depending upon additional benefits provided by employers, like paid sick days. SB 10 also sets the tipped minimum wage at $4/hour, with workers making below the new minimum wage with tips being compensated for the difference by their employer.

Prime sponsor Senator Soucy (D-Manchester) released the following statement after the vote:

“When it comes to ensuring decent wages for our workers, New Hampshire is far from first—we haven’t raised our minimum wage in more than a decade and in 2011, the legislature eliminated our state minimum wage altogether. $7.25 wasn’t a fair wage in 2009 and it certainly isn’t a fair wage in 2019. Regardless of political party, we should all agree New Hampshire is better equipped to make economic decisions that impact our workers and businesses than politicians on Capitol Hill,” said prime sponsor Senator Soucy (D-Manchester) following the vote.

Soucy added, “It’s encouraging to see the Senate take the next step to honor the dignity of work by re-establishing and raising New Hampshire’s minimum wage. I look forward to shepherding SB 10 through the rest of the legislative process to support our working families and continue growing our economy.”