TN lawmakers make another push for $20 minimum wage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee Democrats are making another push to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $20 an hour.

Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) and Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) are behind a renewed push to raise the state’s minimum wage. In 2024, HB 2602, failed in the House’s Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

That bill was introduced by Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) and Sen. Sara Kyle (D-Memphis). Tennessee is one of 20 states that have a minimum wage set at the federal minimum, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The new bill, introduced on Feb. 6 reads, “As introduced, increases, from $7.25 to $20, the minimum hourly wage for employees within this state.” You can click here to read the bill’s language in its entirety.

Rep. Pearson has sponsored 11 bills in the 114th General Assembly, including bills surrounding TennCare, mental health, firearms and more.

Sen. Akbari has sponsored 80 bills, covering a wide array of topics including taxes, law enforcement, elections, insurance, education, day care and more.