Mapp Signs Minimum Wage Increase Bill Into Law

ST. THOMAS -- Governor Kenneth Mapp has signed into law the minimum wage increase bill sponsored by Senator Jean Forde, an action that is sure to elicit praise from residents, especially those who are currently earning the minimum wage of $7.25, as their hourly wages will climb to $8.35. According to the bill, the first increase will go into effect "one month after the first day of the quarter following the enactment of this legislation," which is June, as the second quarter of the year begins in April. After this year's increase, another increase of $9.50 will take effect on January 1, 2017, and another increase to $10.50 on January 1, 2018 — so as to not shock businesses set to absorb the added cost. “This is a good bill for the territory and it is consistent with my administration’s efforts to increase pay to public employees,” Governor Mapp said. “I sincerely commend the sponsors of this legislation.” The bill additionally increases the base wage of tipped service workers fr...