HB 2200 - DIGEST

     Declares that beginning January 1, 1998, the applicable minimum wage rate shall be five dollars and fifty cents per hour.

     Beginning January 1, 1999, the applicable minimum wage rate shall be six dollars per hour.

     Beginning January 1, 2000, the applicable minimum wage rate shall be six dollars and fifty cents per hour.

     Provides that, on September 30, 2000, and on each September 30th thereafter, the department of labor and industries shall calculate an adjusted minimum wage rate to maintain employees' purchasing power by increasing the minimum wage to respond to inflation.

     Provides that, beginning January 1, 2000, the applicable minimum wage rate for an employer that maintains qualified health benefits is fifty cents less than the applicable minimum wage rate established under this act.  The employer must provide proof of maintaining qualified health benefits to the administrator of the Washington state health care authority.