The minimum wage is scheduled to rise to $15 an hour in Minneapolis over the next 5 years. The Wages Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will evaluate the effects of this increase on the health of low-wage Minneapolis workers. The study will look at a number of health-related measures including food purchases. The aim is to enroll 450 low-wage workers in Minneapolis (earning $11.50/hour or less). Low-wage workers will also be enrolled in Raleigh, North Carolina for comparison because that State has passed a law preventing municipalities from raising the minimum wage.
Health effects of the Minneapolis Wage Ordinance are being studied for several reasons: Minimum wage is a social determinant of health; minimum wage is a potential policy lever to address health equity; health effects of wages need to be studied more fully; and, the stated purpose of the Minneapolis Wage Ordinance is to “maintain worker”'s health, efficacy, and general well-being.
Eligible participants will be compensated for their participation. Results will be shared with community partners. The work is beginning now to develop a team of people/organizations who will help to interpret the research results and tell the stories that need to be told.Â
Questions about the study may be emailed to Dr. Caitlin Caspi, cecaspi@umn.edu. Or if you or your organization would like to find out more on how to actively engage with this study, call Susan Gust, community connector, 612-414-6623. Potential study participants can enroll by calling 612-624-7673. (see ad this page)
