Hunter
08/14/26
Two Democratic candidates for state office revealed proposals they would like to enact if they’re elected this November.
Rob Sand, running for Governor against Republican Zach Lahn, says he wants to increase the state minimum wage to $12 an hour.
At a campaign stop Wednesday, Sand bemoaned the fact that when he was working a high school job in Decorah 26 years ago, he was paid the same $7.25 per hour wage that’s being offered today. He told reporters, “Time for it to go up.”
Sand said minimum wage increases are instrumental in reducing turnover, and is in favor of phasing in the wage increase to help businesses concerned about the increased cost.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate for Attorney General Nate Willems said if elected, he plans to create an enforcement unit dedicated to wage theft recovery.
Currently, staff working for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing handle enforcement of wage and labor laws, but do not seek liquidated damages or attorney fees. Willems says his new unit would focus on bringing litigation against employers who violate existing labor laws.
Williams is running against Republican incumbent Brenna Bird.