Massachusetts Voters Approve Ballot Question to Raise Minimum Wage

Question 2 Passes with 60% of the Vote

New Minimum Wage to Take Effect in 2023

Massachusetts voters have overwhelmingly approved a ballot question to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023. Question 2 passed with 60% of the vote, according to unofficial results. The current minimum wage in Massachusetts is $12.75 per hour.

The new minimum wage will be phased in over the next four years. It will increase to $13.50 per hour in January 2023, $14.50 per hour in January 2024, and $15.00 per hour in January 2025.

Supporters of the ballot question argued that it would help to close the wage gap between wealthy and poor workers. They also said that it would boost the state's economy by increasing consumer spending.

Opponents of the ballot question argued that it would hurt businesses, especially small businesses. They said that it would force businesses to raise prices or lay off workers.

The passage of Question 2 is a major victory for labor unions and other groups that have been advocating for a higher minimum wage. It is also a setback for business groups that have opposed such an increase.