As state legislatures across the country gear up for their next sessions, many are turning their attention to issues that directly impact small business. From higher minimum wage to healthcare, unemployment insurance, and tax-related ballot initiatives, state legislatures are wrapping up their 2023 sessions as election season winds down. In this article, we will explore some of the key issues that state legislatures are currently focused on.
Minimum Wage One of the pressing issues for state legislatures is the push for a higher minimum wage. In 2023, 24 states adopted wages above the federal benchmark, based on increases adjusted for the cost of living or inflation or as part of scheduled increases that take effect at the beginning of each calendar year.
In California, a coalition of California businesses agreed with labor unions on AB 1228, which repeals the FAST Recovery Act but establishes a modified version of the Fast Food Council until Jan. 1, 2029. It outlines the Council’s objectives, responsibilities, and constraints in relation to setting an hourly minimum wage and overseeing the adoption and evaluation of health, safety, and employment standards for fast-food restaurant employees. The new law also sets minimum wage increases for fast-food workers, with an increase to $20 effective April 1, 2024.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill in Oct. mandating an industry minimum wage standard for...
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