Nevada's Legislative Democrats called Monday for speedy action on a minimum-wage increase.
Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, said 68 percent of voters supported the initiative petition in November elections to increase the minimum wage a dollar to $6.15 an hour.
"The voters have spoken very loudly and very clearly," she said.
She said the Legislature can put the higher wage into effect a full year earlier than if it waits until voters pass the increase in two years.
Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said there are an estimated 51,000 Nevadans making minimum wage of $5.15 an hour, "and most of them don't have health insurance."
"That's just not reasonable," she said. "They make less money than they would on welfare."
Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said the goal is to pass the dollar increase as soon as possible. He said the issue has Republican support and strong public support.
n Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.
