Rep. Ellison Sings For Joy As $15 Minimum Wage Passes In Minneapolis
By: Michael McIntee, UpTake Reporter
It will take up to seven years, but the minimum wage for workers in Minneapolis will rise to $15 an hour. The Minneapolis City Council Friday approved an ordinance that sets a timetable for raising the wage for all workers in the city by the year 2024. For employers with more than 100 workers the phase-in will happen faster.
City Council Member Blong Yang was the only dissenting vote.
Rep. Keith Ellison, who has long lobbied for a higher minimum wage, greeted the news with a song in a video he posted on Twitter.
To the tune of “Money” Ellison sang
“I’ve been marching for my 15
Getting paid now, that’s what I mean.
I need money. That’s what I want.
I need money. That’s what I want.”
“We got to get paid y’all. Thanks for marching. Thanks to the city council,” said Ellison as he continued to strum a guitar in his Washington, DC office.
“15 dollars, that’s awesome. I’m so proud of you guys. You keep it up. We’re going to fight here in Washington. You guys are fighting there in Minneapolis. We’re fighting all over the country so the American people can get a raise. Thank you very much for your struggle. It’s awesome and let’s go get it.”
Video of Ellison singing, $15 Still not a livable wage
While $15 an hour is a step forward, it’s still not a livable wage. The state of Minnesota says a livable wage — defined as what is necessary for someone to pay for the basics — is $15.25 in Hennepin County. In seven years when the $15 minimum is fully implemented, inflation is likely to push the livable wage number even higher.