Legislature to hear bill that would raise minimum wage to $15 an hour

BOSTON — Supporters will be at the State House Tuesday as the legislature hears a bill that would gradually raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The legislation would raise the minimum wage by $1 each year over four years until it is $15 an hour in 2021. The current minimum wage in Massachusetts is $11 and the federal minimum wage is $7.25.

After 2021, the minimum wage would be adjusted based on the cost of living. The bill said the state will determine the percentage increase based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

The legislation also requires an increase for tipped workers over eight years until it is equal to the regular minimum wage. Tipped workers currently make $3.75 an hour; the first increase would move it to $5.25 an hour, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Rise Up Massachusetts is organizing a news briefing Tuesday with workers and business owners to show support for the bill.

Cox Media Group