The national minimum wage was put into effect during the great depression in the 1930's.  It's implementation was designed to combat the exploitation of workers in sweatshops and factories. President Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938 creating the mandatory federal minimum wage. The original rate was set at 25 cents an hour to guarantee a "minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency and general well-being, without substantially curtailing employment".  Since that time the wage has been adjusted periodically by Congress to meet the rise and fall of the "cost of living". The increasing wage gap between rich Americans and poor Americans throughout the past couple of decades has made the minimum wage issue a hotly debated topic as parties on all sides strive to present ideas that will ensure the American Dream is an attainable journey for all generations.

In 1997, legislature was introduced by President Clinton allowing the States to set their own minimum wage.  Employers are required to pay the highest rate between the federal and state minimums. Today's national rate is $7.25/hr and is the prevailing rate in 29 states. The rest have rates exceeding that amount. The question at hand now is will the courts allow local government to take the lead on setting increased minimum wage rates? Louisville has already put a local ordinance on the books and it is set to take effect July 1.  Should Lexington follow suit?  Mayor Jim Gray has gone on record as being in favor of a local rate increase.  The city council has voted unanimously to assign the discussion to the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee.