New Hampshire Rejects $15 An Hour Minimum Wage

While the state is currently without a minimum wage, many carried hope $15 an hour would be law by 2024.

According to WMUR News 9, the House fell short in an effort to bring a minimum wage of $15 an hour to the Granite State over the next five years. Overall, 79 representatives voted for a $15 per hour minimum wage. While New Hampshire has been without one for the last 8 years, there was a drive for $15. Supporters, like Rep. Kris Schultz told WMUR "The people that are doing what we, as a society, ask of them, by working hard and putting in a hard day's labor, should be able to do the basics for their family." "You should be able to afford food, rent, transportation and all of that."

Those against said that rather than paying more, businesses will cut back on hours and employees. Rep. Jack Flanagan told WMUR "Some employers have very restrictive margins." "They cannot afford to pay more in the wages they're already paying."

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has said he does not support a state minimum wage. He believes any changes should be made at the federal level.