Modified: 1/16/2021 9:44:14 PM
WEST LEBANON The minimum wage suddenly looks like it will receive maximum attention.
With the White House and both chambers of Congress all soon to be under control of Democrats for the first time in 10 years, increasing the federal minimum wage which has been set at $7.25 per hour since 2009 is likely to gain traction among lawmakers.
Indeed, President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday tweeted, “It’s long past time to raise the minimum wage, so hardworking people earn at least $15 an hour. I hope that Democratic control of the House and Senate will ensure prompt action to get it done.”
NH s minimum wage stands out as lowest in New England
Ian Lenahan, news@seacoastonline.com
For Javi Kalback, owner of Portsmouth Escape Room, paying her small team of employees above the New Hampshire minimum wage is a reflection of her desire for them to love their job.
“We have an awesome team. I want people to be happy while at work, to enjoy and take pride in their work,” said Kalback, who pays her workers $11 per hour upon their hiring and increases wages after they gain experience.
Kalback is one of many business owners in New Hampshire who pay above the state s $7.25 minimum wage. The state defaults to the federal minimum as it doesn t have its own minimum wage. New Hampshire’s last increase was in 2009 in accordance with the federal minimum wage bump at that time from $6.55 per hour to $7.25. New Hampshire has the lowest minimum pay rate among New England states, each of which passed legislation to increase minimum wages in recent years.