Minimum Wage Increase.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Increases the state minimum wage for all industries to $5.00 per hour on March 1, 1997, and then to $5.75 per hour on March 1, 1998. Requires the California Industrial Welfare Commission to adopt minimum wage orders consistent with this section, which orders shall be final and conclusive for all purposes. Summary of Legislative Analyst\u27s Estimate of Net State and Local Government Fiscal Impact: The fiscal effect of this measure would depend on whether the federal minimum wage increase passed by Congress in August is signed into law. Because California\u27s minimum wage must be at least as high as the federal rate, an increase in the federal rate would reduce the incremental fiscal effects of this measure. Unknown net impact on state and local government revenues, primarily depending on the measure\u27s effect on the level of employment, income, and taxable sales in California. Annual state and local government wage-related costs of approximately $300 million (about $120 million if the federal minimum wage increase is enacted). Net annual savings in state health and welfare programs, potentially in the low tens of millions of dollars ($10 million to $15 million if the federal minimum wage is enacted)