The Iowa minimum wage is a controversial topic at the statehouse after a bill was introduced that would strip counties across the state the power to establish a county wide minimum wage.

The proposed bill would establish a statewide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. State Representative Greg Heartsill tells KNIA/KRLS News this is just a step to create a uniform wage across the state. Heartsill adds this does not mean a change in the minimum wage and that would be something that would need to be talked about after more research. The bill was introduced into the state house after Polk County residents last spring protested for a high wage. Polk County is set to raise their minimum wage to $8.75 on April 1st with the proposed bill sitting in a house subcommittee for now.