One state lawmaker wants to raise the minimum wage in Texas to $15 an hour. A bill was filed last week in the Texas house. Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, has filed House Bill 194. It proposes to more than double the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15.
Maria Gomez, local resident says, “I think it’s great. I think it’s about time. I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of most people as far as the cost of living we need it to keep up with the cost.”
Representative Reynolds says the increase in hourly wage is meant to put more money into the pockets of Texans and says the current minimum wage is not a living wage. Most people we spoke with today agreed with the proposal.
“It will benefit not only the person receiving the money, but it will benefit business too.” Says Gomez.
Local 23 News wanted to know if local businesses supported the proposal. However, several businesses we spoke with did not want to discuss the issue on camera. Jorge Bautista, local business owner says, while he supports the increase in wages, the cost would get passed down to the consumer.
“I think it will be feasible. Of course everything has to be raised up [the cost] if customers are willing to pay for it.”
