As with any political issue, there are varied views on the minimum wage in Vermont. Some argue the possible negative impacts that Vermont's small businesses, while others note the positive effects of raising the wages of people in poverty.
Whatever the speaker's view, there are several noteworthy quotes.
1. “Apparently they believe starvation wages are good enough for millions of hard working Americans. I disagree. I believe nobody who works 40 hours a week should be living in poverty. Let's raise the minimum wage to a living wage.”
–
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders,
said in a statement
Vote Now: How Do You Feel About the Minimum Wage?
2. "When we allow huge corporations that are doing business in our state to pay poverty wages, and end up having to have our state and federal government make up the difference, I think it's criminal."
–
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream,
said in support of a minimum wage hike
3. "They're very concerned, very nervous about what the state is potentially doing to them and to their business. Many of them pay more, but how much more can they pay if the bar is raised?"
–
Jim Harrison, president of the Vermont Grocers Association,
said in testimony
4. "If we decide as a nation to increase minimum wage in order to give low-income workers and their families more cash, an understandable desire given the financial struggles of these families, then we as a nation should bear that cost, not only pass it off onto businesses."
–
Matt Harrington, executive director of the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce,
to the Bennington Banner
5. “I was proud to sign this law and I am pleased to see the minimum wage rise once again next year. Giving a boost to hard working Vermonters is not only the right thing to do; it is also good for our economy as a whole.”
–
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin,
said in a statement
VOTE NOW: Is Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin Doing a Good Job?
Related Stories:
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.