Dem Bill Would Raise Minimum Wage by Regional Living Cost (1)

Alabama Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell April 4 introduced legislation that would eventually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, using different stages for different parts of the country based on the regional cost of living.

The PHASE-in $15 Wage Act differs from a signature $15 minimum wage bill that’s already been touted by Democratic leadership as a key part of its economic agenda. Sewell’s legislation would extend the time to phase in a $15 federal wage floor for certain parts of the country.

It’s aimed at moderate Democrats who have yet to be convinced to back the Raise...