DES MOINES (March 9, 2017): The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) applauded the passage of HF 295 which preempts municipalities from increasing the minimum wage rate over the states.
“The small business community thrives on consistency and predictability. Unfortunately, several counties in Iowa have attempted to usurp the authority of our state elected officials by passing local ordinances that increase the minimum wage,” according to Matt Everson, NFIB Iowa State Director. “House members that voted in favor of today’s action demonstrated that not only do they understand the importance of such consistency, but they value the contribution that the small business community makes to our economy, and wants to see them succeed.”
There are currently four counties that have voted to increase the wage more than the state’s level which is currently $7.25. If HF 295 is signed into law, the labor increase in those counties would not be grandfathered in, ensuring that Iowa would be home to a statewide wage, without local variations.
“This bill is especially important for small business owners that have multiple locations in various counties. This bill ensures that no one at the local level can preempt state wages and that jobs will remain in the counties that are attempting to hike the minimum wage,” concluded Everson.
