Concord, NH- House Republican Leader Richard Hinch (R-Merrimack) released the following statement in advance of the public hearings on HB178, HB186, and HB731-FN all relative to the minimum wage in New Hampshire. These bills are being heard in the Labor, Industrial Services and Rehabilitation committee starting at 1:00pm on February 20th.
“At a time when New Hampshire’s economy is humming and we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Nation, why House Democrats are so eager to increase the cost of doing business in New Hampshire is beyond me,” Hinch said. “A government mandated wage increase of up to 65% would have a profound negative impact on New Hampshire’s small and medium sized business community. It only encourages employers to cut jobs, cut hours, and pass the increase cost onto the consumer. New Hampshire business owners deserve better.”
“Republicans have spent the last few years focused on creating the economic conditions for businesses to thrive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to earn a decent wage. Our small business owners know what it takes to attract, retain, and reward employees, and government should stop interfering,” said Hinch. “I hope my Democratic colleagues see the light and put a stake in these job-killing bills.”
Background
HB178- establishing a minimum wage.
Bill Text:
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=127&txtFormat=html
HB186- establishing a state minimum wage and providing for adjustments to the minimum wage.
Bill Text:
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=152&txtFormat=html
HB731-FN- relative to the minimum hourly rate. Bill Text: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=808&txtFormat=pdf&v=current