An increase in the minimum wage is gaining traction this legislative session. In keeping with our Health in All Policies focus, Minnesota Public Health Association is releasing an Issue Brief to help guide members in discussions with legislators about the interaction between wages and health. Click
here to read the brief. If you would like more information on the minimum wage in Minnesota, you will find some context
here.
On Monday, March 3rd, MPHA President-Elect Kristen Walters stood with the Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger and other community leaders in a press event to advocate for an increased minimum wage in Minnesota. Commissioner Ehlinger also released his department's White Paper on Income and Health. Click
here to read the white paper. To quote Kristen,
"MPHA supports increasing the minimum wage as one strategy to improve health, in addition to other economic and health policies to reduce health inequities. MPHA recommends a raise in minimum wage to an income sufficient to meet subsistence needs such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, and child care."
We will be handing out the issue brief, along with other materials, to legislators at our Day on the Hill April 9. Join us!