[Editor’s Note: Mr. Price, a Los Angeles City Councilman, represents the 9th District, south Los Angeles.]
[img]2645|right|||no_popup[/img]Yesterday I was proud to help Los Angeles join the ranks of so many other cities across the nation that are tackling the growing challenge of income inequality by raising wages for workers. I joined Councilmembers Mike Bonin, Gil Cedillo and Nury Martinez in introducing a motion that calls on the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that raises the minimum wage to $13.25 by July 1, 2017, and launches the process of getting us to a minimum wage of $15.25 by 2019.
There may be a lot of debate around this issue. But one fact is clear. Our minimum wage today no longer covers basic necessities. Too many families earning a minimum wage today are forced to choose between rent or groceries, the light bill or the gas bill, paying a parking ticket or buying new shoes for their kids.
These aren’t just anecdotes – we have seen the cases in my district where families, struggling to make ends meet, are cramming themselves into sub-standard housing units, putting themselves and their families in harm’s way, because they simply can’t afford a better living situation. Today, nearly two-thirds of Los Angeles residents are rent burdened, spending more than a third of their income on housing costs.
[img]1717|right|Curren Price||no_popup[/img]I authored this motion because I believe wholeheartedly that raising wages will have a direct positive impact on the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Angelenos. This would have an especially large impact in communities of color, like the one I represent.
But this isn’t just about doing what’s fair – it’s about doing what’s right. We know that when hard working men and women see more money in their paychecks, their cash isn’t going to Wall Street – it’s spent on Main Street.
Studies tell us that increased costs to business will be offset by the increased spending at our local shops and restaurants acting as an economic stimulus for our local economy.
Studies like the one recently commissioned by our mayor, show that raising the minimum wage reduces worker turnover, improves morale and worker performance – all important benefits to business owners that directly improve the bottom line.
As a former small business owner, I know the challenges that lie ahead, but I also see the potential for real gain. Yesterday we launched a conversation, and we expect to have robust debate with all of our stakeholders. I am especially interested in hearing about your thoughts on this proposal as we lay the groundwork for this progressive change.
I am excited to be a part of this change, and thank you for your support.