by Steve Smith, California Labor Federation<\/i><\/p>\n
California made history last night. With the support of California’s unions, the Legislature voted to raise the state’s minimum wage to $10, the highest minimum wage in the country. The wage will be implemented in two steps: an increase to $9 per hour in July of next year, followed by another one-dollar increase to $10 in January of 2016. Gov. Brown has agreed to sign the bill, AB 10, authored by Assemblymember Luis Alejo.<\/p>\n
The wage increase will affect more than 2.3 million California workers, according the Economic Policy Institute. It means that single moms will have a little extra to support their families. It means seniors who’ve been forced to re-enter the workforce will have a little more to help pay for prescription drugs. And it means that all low-wage workers have received validation that their work is worthy of dignity and respect.<\/p>\n
California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski:<\/p>\n
Raising the minimum wage isn’t just an economic necessity. It’s a moral imperative. For far too long, low-wage workers have toiled for far too little.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The minimum wage deal came together with the strong support of Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders.<\/p>\n
Gov. Brown:<\/p>\n
The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs. This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The wage increase is expected to provide a significant economic boost to California. By providing an estimated $2.6 billion in additional wages to the state’s lowest-paid workers, California will reap $1 billion in new economic growth as workers spend their increased wages. Job growth will expand as businesses hire to meet the increased consumer demand.<\/p>\n
Even at $10, low-wage workers will still struggle. We must continue to do everything possible to decrease economic inequality and provide opportunities for low-wage workers to move up the ladder. But the wage increase that passed last night establishes California as the national leader in supporting low-wage workers. That’s exactly where we should be.<\/p>\n
Senate President pro Tempore Steinberg:<\/p>\n
For millions of California’s hard-working minimum wage employees, a few extra dollars a week can make a huge difference to help them provide for their families. They deserve a modest boost and after six years; an increase in California’s minimum wage is the right thing to do.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n