Final ruling on Minneapolis minimum wage could have far-reaching effect

When the Minnesota Supreme Court considers an appeal from the city of Minneapolis on Tuesday over a minimum-wage proposal, its decision could have ramifications that stretch far beyond the right of city voters to set wages.

If the state’s highest court upholds a lower-court ruling that the charter amendment proposal must appear on the November ballot, it would mean that Minneapolis voters will be able to decide whether the city should increase its minimum wage to $15 per hour, making it one of the highest in the country.

But it could also do something more far-reaching: open the doors to more campaigns looking to change municipal government by popular vote. With more than 100 Minnesota cities governed by local charter, the court’s decision could set a precedent for ballot proposals in cities from Bloomington to Bemidji.

http://www.startribune.com/final-ruling-on-minneapolis-minimum-wage-could-have-far-reaching-effect/391562491/