Divine Intervention?
DFL Rep. Tom Rukavina is pushing a bill that would increase the state's minimum wage and is getting a little help from Archbishop Harry Flynn. Flynn told the House Commerce Committee that increasing the minimum wage was about protecting the dignity of lower wage workers.
After Flynn's testimony, the critics of the bill (MN Chamber, MN Grocers, etc.) approached the desk to tell the committee how the wage hike could be harmful to business. When they were introduced, Rukavina (who is known for his quips around the Capitol) said to the committee chair "The Archbiship will pray for them, I'm sure."
Committee Chair Joe Atkins responded "Rep. Rukavina, I just hope he's praying for you..."
The committee approved the bill on a divided voice vote. It's now headed to the House floor.
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