Rep. Jessyn Farrell (D-Seattle) is proposing a statewide minimum wage increase to $12 per hour to be phased in over the years 2015-17.
“We know our economy is stronger when an honest day’s work is rewarded with a fair wage,” Rep. Farrell said. “During the recovery, top earners have done quite well, the stock market has seen record highs, and corporate profits have never been better. This bill rewards work, moves the economy forward, and promotes fundamental economic fairness.”
The bill would increase the state’s minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2015, $11 per hour in 2016, and finally to $12 per hour in 2017. After that, the wage would again be tied to the consumer price index.
Governor Jay Inslee, in his State of the State address, called for an increase in the minimum wage.
Farrell also noted that the increase is a benefit to taxpayers, and could save the state money. “If families have more money in their pocket, it lessens the demand for government assistance. That saves all of us money.”
“Several studies have shown that modest increases in the minimum wage will not cause employers to shed jobs,” Farrell said. “What we actually see happen is an increase in consumer demand, which is what truly drives job creation. This bill is a win-win for workers and businesses.”
The top earners in Washington have enjoyed remarkable gains in income while those at the bottom end of the economic ladder have seen their buying power decrease.
Raising the minimum wage enjoys the support of conservatives as well as progressives. Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, and the former publisher of The American Conservative Ron Unz have all publicly announced their support of an increase in the minimum wage.
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