Mississippi should set minimum wage higher than federal level, says Democrat running for governor

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Democrat who’s trying to unseat Mississippi’s Republican governor says the state should set a minimum wage higher than the federal $7.25 an hour. Brandon Presley did not propose a specific new wage in his comments Tuesday. He said he would work with leaders in the Republican-controlled Legislature. A campaign spokesperson for Gov. Tate Reeves did not immediately respond to questions about a higher minimum wage. Reeves was lieutenant governor for eight years before winning the governor’s race in 2019. No legislation to set a minimum wage higher than $7.25 advanced during those 12 years. Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the nation.