Minimum wage hike splits Oregon – in more ways than one

The Oregon House voted Thursday to raise the state’s minimum wage. The new wage will be the highest minimum wage in the country, but it will take six years to get there — and not everyone will see the same increase, which is helping fuel an already hot debate.

The state Senate approved the plan last week and Gov. Kate Brown has said she will sign it. The current, statewide minimum wage is $9.25 per hour.

“It’s just not a livable wage, especially if there is just one worker in the home and they have children,” one Bend resident said Thursday evening.

The plan will raise the minimum wage over the next six years. Portland’s minimum wage will reach $14.75 per hour in 2022. In smaller cities and areas, including Deschutes County, the minimum wage will rise to $13.50. In rural areas, including Crook and Jefferson counties, it will rise to $12.50 an hour.

Many people we asked argued the three tiers seemed unfair and unjust. Those in favor of the move say it will help stimulate the economy and give people more buying power. Those against it say the wage increase will lead to layoffs and higher costs.

House Democrats rejected Republican efforts to refer the plan to voters, and Thursday’s 32-26 vote followed a lengthy debate.

And that debate is not over. Several groups have expressed a willingness to gather petition signatures and put a minimum wage measure on the fall ballot, making it possible Oregonians will vote on the issue in November.