The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce supports House Bill 4283, which if passed by the West Virginia Legislature would increase the minimum wage in the state from $7.25 to $7.85 an hour after June 30, 2014 and $8.25 an hour after June 30, 2015.

The Charleston Chamber believes that this measured, multi-year and modest phase is appropriately timed to help West Virginia workers and their families.

According to national data, the real value of the federal minimum wage has fallen by close to 30 percent over the last 40 years. The minimum wage was last increased nationally on July 24, 2009, when it rose from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour as directed by federal law.

The Charleston Chamber believes the current minimum wage remains too low for workers to support their families.

Last Wednesday, House Bill 4283 passed the House Industry and Labor Committee. It will now head to the House Finance Committee.

Click HERE for the contact information of the committee members.

Let them know you support HB 4283 in its current form, which would incrementally increase the minimum wage over the next two years.