Section 272.001. Declaration of policy.

 

(1)  The department, in fulfilling its statutory mandate, has caused extensive studies to be made relative to the consideration of a "living wage" and how the wage should be computed. The concept of "cost of living" and "living wage" is very complex because of the many variables. Any single concept is difficult to apply because of different assumptions, techniques and local conditions.

(2)  The rates adopted in this chapter reflect compensation that has been determined to be adequate to permit any employee to maintain herself or himself in minimum comfort, decency, physical and moral well-being. The department has also considered the effect that an increase in the living-wage might have on the economy of the state, including the effect of a living-wage increase on job creation, retention and expansion, on the availability of entry-level jobs and on regional economic conditions within the state.

(6)  Room allowances shall be computed on the basis of 20% of the prescribed minimum rate for employees based on a 40 hour week, rounded off to the nearest 5 cents.

(7)  Meal allowance shall be computed on the basis of 30% of the prescribed minimum rate for employees based on a 40 hour week, rounded off to the nearest 5 cents.