Iowa House votes to block local minimum wage hikes

Cities and counties would be barred from enacting local minimum wage increases under a proposal approved by the Iowa House Thursday night.

"We believe that local control is important and advocate for it. This bill is not inconsistent with that belief," said Rep. John Landon, a Republican from Ankeny who managed the bill on the House floor. "Allowing cities and counties to set standards for employment matters and commerce creates an inconsistent playing field that hinders economic growth and business interests."

House File 295 was approved on a vote of 56 to 41. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, was the only Republican to break ranks and vote against the bill, and all House Democrats voted against it.

The legislation includes broad pre-emption language that blocks cities and counties from implementing policies that are at odds with state law, including setting minimum wages that exceed the state level of $7.25 an hour. Polk is one of four Iowa counties that have approved increases, along with Johnson, Linn and Wapello counties.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/09/iowa-house-debates-bill-blocking-local-minimum-wage-hikes/98967188/