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The Minnesota House has approved legislation to increase the state's minimum wage beginning this summer.

Lawmakers passed the measure today by a vote of 82 to 45. The bill would increase the $6.15 per-hour minimum wage for large employers by 75 cents in July and another dollar next summer. For small employers, the $5.25 per-hour wage would go up 50 cents in July and another dollar next year. 

Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, said Minnesota has fallen behind many other states.

"Currently members we are 32nd in the country with our $6.15 minimum wage, and 46th with the small employee wage," Rukavina said. "So, Minnesota has always prided itself on being above the federal minimum wage, and we will not be there if we don't pass this bill."

Many Republicans argued the increase will hurt small businesses. 

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he could support a reasonable minimum wage increase, but he described the House bill as overreaching and unacceptable.

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2025 Minnesota legislative session

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The Minnesota House has approved legislation to increase the state's minimum wage beginning this summer.


Minn. House votes to raise minimum wage

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