Sens. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., are proposing legislation that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $10 per hour and require all employers to use E-Verify, an electronic system to check employees' work authorization.
We've rounded up articles and resources from SHRM Online and other outlets on the news.
Not Likely to Advance
Congressional Democrats are not likely to advance this bill. The legislation would increase the hourly minimum wage from the current $7.25 to $10 by 2025, after which it would adjust with inflation every two years. The increases would not take effect until after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, and small businesses would have a longer phase-in period.
The boosted wages—which fall short of Democrats' proposed minimum wage increase of $15 per hour—would be paired with mandatory E-Verify in an effort to crack down on employers that hire undocumented workers. Currently, federal workers, federal contractors and employers in some states are required to check work eligibility status using E-Verify.
(Roll Call)
$15 Minimum-Wage Proposal Up in the Air
The House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, which includes a $15 per hour minimum wage.
The Senate's parliamentarian ruled today against including the minimum-wage raise in that chamber's fast-tracked reconciliation bill, which is supposed to be predominantly fiscal in nature.
(The Hill)
Is a Federal Minimum-Wage Hike Good for Business?
Democrats' latest effort to raise the federal minimum wage has reset the stage for an enduring argument: Do minimum-wage increases lead to more prosperity or fewer jobs for low-wage earners?
(SHRM Online)
2021 State Minimum Wage Charts
This SHRM members-only resource lists the state and city minimum-wage increases for 2021—along with information on obtaining required updated labor law posters.
(SHRM Online)
Mandatory E-Verify Redux
Congressional Republicans have continually reintroduced legislation that would require employers to use the federal government's E-Verify program.
(SHRM Online)
Fla. Latest State to Enact E-Verify Law
Florida made the use of E-Verify mandatory for all government employers and certain private employers beginning Jan. 1.
(SHRM Online)