Senate Bipartisan Working Group

(ANCHORAGE) – Thanks to a bill passed into law this year, Alaska’s minimum wage will increase tomorrow, from $7.25 per hour to $7.75 per hour.

“This increase will bring needed relief to Alaska’s lowest-paid workers and their families,” said Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), the prime sponsor of the legislation that mandated this increase (Senate Bill 1).  “Many of these workers are single parents who are the sole wage earners in their households, struggling to support families.”

Alaska’s cost of living is one of the highest in the nation.  However, Senator Wielechowski pointed out, numerous states, including Washington ($8.55), Oregon ($8.40) and California ($8.00), still have a higher minimum wage than Alaska.

“The change that goes into effect tomorrow will benefit more than 8,000 Alaskans who have been earning less than $7.75 an hour,” said Senator Wielechowski.  “These workers make about $15,000 a year, little more than the federal poverty level for Alaska.”

On July 24, Alaska's minimum wage was increased slightly (by 10 cents) to keep up with the federal minimum wage.  Tomorrow’s increase will be more substantial.  Senator Wielechowski’s bill also mandates that Alaska’s minimum wage will always be at least 50 cents above the federal minimum, in recognition of Alaska’s high cost of living. Senator Wielechowski acknowledged the support of the prime co-sponsors of Senate Bill 1, Senators Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage), Hollis French (D-Anchorage) and Joe Thomas (D-Fairbanks).

For more information, contact Senator Wielechowski at 907-242-1558 or Michelle Sydeman at 907-321-1944.

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