Oregon House Passes Minimum-Wage Hike

Oregon’s House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill that puts the state’s minimum wage for all workers at the highest in the country, through a three-tiered system that sets different rates by geography. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Kate Brown, who is expected to sign it into law. Oregon’s plan will be implemented in a series of gradual increase over six years. By 2022, the current $9.25 minimum will rise to $14.75 in metro Portland, $13.50 in smaller cities, and $12.50 in rural communities. The three-tiered system is the first of its kind among states raising their rates. Oregon will become the 15th state to raise its minimum wage rate over the past two years as the federal level remains unchanged.