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Raise Iowa’s minimum wage
Tom Persoon
Jan. 9, 2026 1:31 pm
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As the new year dawns, it is worth reviewing what is happening to the minimum wage in the states that surround Iowa.
Four states are increasing the hourly minimum wage: Missouri to $15.00, Nebraska to $15.00, South Dakota to $11.85, and Minnesota to $11.41. Illinois holds at $15.00 and Wisconsin holds at $7.25.
Iowa should increase its minimum wage to $12.58, the average of the six surrounding states. This is a more important issue than the governor’s announced priority of reducing property taxes. Contact your state legislator and urge them to make raising the minimum wage the 2026 legislative priority.
Tom Persoon
Coralville
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