By Lisa Rathke / February 25, 2020
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s minimum wage will increase to $12.55 an hour by 2022 after the Democrat-led House voted Tuesday to override the Republican governor’s veto of the bill.
The vote was 100-49. Since the Senate voted 24-6 this month in favor of the override, the House’s action means the minimum wage increase from the current $10.96 is now law, according to Rebecca Kelley, the governor’s spokeswoman. It takes effect July 1.
“Today’s vote reaffirms the legislature’s commitment to Vermont’s working families,” said House Speaker, Mitzi Johnson, a Democrat from South Hero, in a written statement. “A wage increase will be instrumental in improving the lives of Vermonters.”
Supporters of the bill said wages have not kept up the cost of living for many working Vermonters.
“This increase in minimum wage will not end poverty as we know it,” said Rep. David Yacovone, a Democrat from Morrisville. “It will, however, help smooth the sharp edges of poverty and make life a little easier to tolerate for many. It is not a perfect solution, but I believe it will make Vermont a better place to live.”
Scott, who in 2018 vetoed a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, said the current measure would hurt the Vermonters it’s aimed at helping.