Bill to Raise Montana's Minimum Wage Tabled

Lawmakers have tabled a bill that would have raised Montana’s minimum wage to $12.06 an hour.

Rep. Kelly Kortum, D-Bozeman, introduced House Bill 484 to the House Business and Labor Committee on Feb. 27. Supporters said the state’s current $10.55 rate doesn’t match the cost of living, but opponents disagreed and said the increase could increase inflation.

Patrick Yawakie, representing the Blackfeet Tribe, Fort Belknap Indian Community, and Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy, said a person working 40 hours a week on minimum wage makes just shy of $1,700 a month, the state’s average rent.

“Many of...