One Anchorage senator is proposing an increase to $15.00 per hour despite recent minimum wage increases from $7.75 an hour to $9.75 an hour over the last two years.
Senator Johnny Ellis included the minimum wage increase in pre-filed legislation released Friday.
If the increase to $15.00 per hour is approved during the legislative session it would go into effect Jan 1st, 2017.
That would make Alaska’s minimum wage the highest among states, according to a review of the scheduled wage increases compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In 2014, Alaskan voters passed an initiative approving the dollar per year bump seen in 2015-2016 and continues to raise minimum wage according to inflation in coming years.
Senator Ellis is also calling for an annual report on pay practices in Alaska in addition to the minimum wage increase.
