Bills advance to set minimum wage at $6.15
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House Majority Leader Kim McMillan, the measure?s main sponsor, said the Tennessee is among only six states that don?t have a minimum wage. The Clarksville Democrat said the $5.15 federal minimum wage has not been adjusted since 1997.
House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh said the measure has become necessary because of inaction by lawmakers in Washington.
?All we can do is say Congress has failed by not living up to its responsibility by not addressing this,? said Naifeh, D-Covington.
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee advanced the companion bill last month, but it has yet to be scheduled for a floor vote.
The House committee adopted federal exemptions for workers whose income is augmented by tips and for certain agricultural workers. The committee also removed an enforcement provision to avoid a $465,000 price tag.
McMillan said workers would instead be given the right to sue employers who violate the minimum wage rules.
Some committee members expressed concern about the lack of an enforcement provision, arguing that people earning the minimum wage would not be able to afford attorneys.
?Legislation without enforcement is futile,? said Rep. Nathan Vaughn, D-Kingsport.
McMillan said she will consider adding an amendment to allow victims to collect attorneys? fees for violations.
House Minority Leader Bill Dunn, a Knoxville Republican, argued that the financial analysis of the measure did not take into account the potential losses that could be experienced by small businesses in the state.