House panel rejects raising minimum wage

An Arkansas House panel has rejected a proposal to raise the state's minimum wage.

By a 6-10 vote, the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor on Tuesday rejected the measure that would have increased the state's minimum wage by $2 to $8.25. Two Democrats joined with Republicans on the panel to prevent the bill from advancing.

Some Arkansas workers are currently subject to the higher, federal minimum wage of $7.25.

The measure would have continued to exempt students working part-time from the full minimum wage.

Democratic Rep. Butch Wilkins of Bono, the sponsor of the bill, said it's unlikely he'll bring it up again this session.

Upcoming Events