Reaction pours in to Oregon minimum wage hike

The Oregon House on Thursday gave final legislative approval to a hotly debated move to hike Oregon’s minimum wage over six years, split into three geographic regions. Here’s some of the flood of reaction to that move, in statements we received, in full.

First, Gov. Kate Brown:

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement in response to the Oregon House of Representatives’ passage of SB 1532, a plan to increase Oregon’s minimum wage:

” Today ‘s action advances one of my priorities for 2016: raise the minimum wage,” said Governor Brown. “I started this conversation last fall, bringing stakeholders together to craft a workable proposal; one that gives working families the much-needed wage boost they need, and addresses challenges for businesses and rural economies presented by the two impending ballot measures. I look forward to signing this bill.”

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The Oregon House Republican Office:

House Democrats Adopt Partisan And Costly Minimum Wage Mandate

Salem, OR – With unprecedented speed and little regard for potential consequences, House Democrats today adopted a partisan wage mandate that rapidly increases Oregon’s minimum wage to the highest rate in the country. SB 1532, which establishes a three-tiered system for determining minimum wage rates based on the geographical location of an employer, was approved by a narrow vote of 32-26, with several moderate Democrats joining Republicans in opposing the legislation. Republicans argued the bill will result in layoffs, lost hours, and increased costs for all Oregonians.

“There is a better way – but the consequences of this bill are layoffs, lost hours, and rising costs for all our neighbors. This isn’t hypothetical – there will be a real impact on real people,” said Representative John Davis (R-Wilsonville).

The bill, which was negotiated behind closed doors and rushed through the House without a review by the Legislature’s budget committee, has the potential to devastate the state’s economy and expose Oregonians to harmful consequences. Employers, faced with rapidly rising labor costs, may be forced to choose between cutting hours, increasing costs, or both. Oregonians, in turn, are likely to see the cost of living in Oregon rise, as the economy attempts to adjust to such a sudden and significant shift in labor costs. Low- and middle-income working families will be hit particularly hard, as the costs of daycare, healthcare, and other essential goods and services rise.

“I’m worried that this proposal could have serious unintended consequences,” said Representative Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio). “Oregonians will see prices rise with the passage of this bill. Low- and middle-income families will disproportionately feel the burden of cost inflation and a tightening of the labor market. I am not willing to put the most vulnerable members of our society at risk in pursuit of a reckless policy that fails to fully account for potential consequences.”

“For those of us who represent rural communities, we know firsthand what poverty looks like,” added House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte). “We understand, that while well-intentioned, SB 1532 will have a detrimental impact on the very people it was designed to help. In passing this bill, Democrats are accepting those consequences.”

In addition to having harmful impacts on Oregon’s economy and increasing prices for Oregon families, SB 1532 will likely have the effect of increasing legislator salaries. According to an opinion by the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Counsel, “Unless the [Public Officials Compensation Commission] decides to recommend a salary increase that is more substantial than those offered in the past, SB 1532-A would require an increase to members’ annual salaries in 2022 to avoid dropping approximately $1,010 below the statutory minimum salary.”

Having already passed the Senate, SB 1532 now moves to Governor Brown’s desk. Governor Brown has indicated she will sign the bill into law.

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Service Employees International Union 503:

Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, SEIU 503 President Rob Sisk issued the following statement:

“While the proposal that passed the House floor today is not the plan that we would have written, it is a meaningful raise for Oregon’s working families and will help our state’s economic future. The governor and Oregon’s legislators have demonstrated leadership by approving a higher wage for hundreds of thousands of working Oregonians, even in the face of intense lobbying by corporate special interests. While a higher wage will create economic opportunities for families across the state, we recognize that it isn’t a silver bullet for addressing poverty. We will continue our work to level the playing field and make sure every Oregonian has a fair shot to get ahead.”

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The Coalition to Defend Oregon Jobs:

MASSIVE WAGE HIKE WILL KILL JOBS, COST CONSUMERS, THREATEN LOCAL SERVICES

All Republicans and two Democrats demonstrate wisdom and courage in opposing massive wage hike; coalition calls on Governor and Democratic Leaders to publicly oppose any wage ballot measure

Salem, Ore.—Ignoring concerns raised by Oregonians across the state, the House passed a massive minimum wage hike today that will kill an estimated 66,100 jobs over the next seven years, raise the cost of food, child care and other staples important to working families, and force local governments to choose between raising taxes or cutting services.

“Once again, the Portland politicians won but the rest of Oregon lost with today’s vote,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association and spokesman for the Coalition to Defend Oregon Jobs. “Our coalition appreciates the leadership of the Republicans who fought hard against this misguided plan and the two Democrats who voted against it – Rep. John Lively and Rep. Caddy McKeown,” said Brandt.

Over the past few weeks, farmers, employers, local government officials, school leaders and concerned citizens contacted legislators about the massive wage hike and provided details about how it would harm their livelihoods, families and communities.

Economists also pointed to unintended consequences for fixed-income seniors, college students in work-study programs and single mothers receiving government benefits such as food stamps or child care assistance. Newspaper editorial writers were united in warning the Legislature against adopting a dramatic wage hike that would disrupt the state’s economic recovery.

Despite objections raised from outside the Capitol, Democratic leaders rushed Senate Bill 1532 to the governor’s desk declaring it would prevent a $15-an-hour measure from appearing on November’s ballot.

“Backers of the $15 ballot measure told legislators they have yet to decide to drop their initiative efforts,” Brandt said. “We are counting on the Governor and Democratic leaders to publicly oppose any such measure.”

About the Coalition to Defend Oregon Jobs

The Coalition to Defend Oregon Jobs represents more than 100,000 Oregon members and includes the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce; the Oregon Farm Bureau; Associated Oregon Industries, the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association; the Northwest Food Processors Association and NFIB/Oregon.

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Fair Shot for All coalition:

Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Andrea Paluso issued the following statement on behalf of the Fair Shot for All coalition:

“In 2014, more than 20 community, healthcare, service and labor groups from across the state came together to launch the Fair Shot for All coalition. We launched Fair Shot for All to give a voice to those who have been left behind in the political process, to turn the discussion of racial and economic inequality into action – and to win. Raising the minimum wage was the only Fair Shot agenda item that didn’t pass in 2015, but we came into this session committed to securing a raise in 2016. While our work to fix Oregon’s broken economy is far from over, today’s vote by the House marks a significant victory for the hardworking men and women we have been fighting for.”

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Oregon AFL-CIO:

Following today ‘s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain issued the following statement:

“The momentum to raise Oregon’s minimum wage has been building for months, and today ‘s vote marks a significant victory for working people across the state. While raising the wage is just one piece of our broader efforts to create economic opportunity for working people, it will make a real difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. We anticipate that Governor Brown will sign this bill and make a raise official in the coming days.”

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Raise the Wage coalition:

Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain issued the following statement on behalf of the Raise the Wage coalition:

“Over the past eight months, working Oregonians have made it clear that $9.25 an hour isn’t enough to be self-sufficient or support a family, no matter where you live. Our legislators heard that call and voted today to raise the wage, demonstrating real leadership and a true understanding of the economic challenges facing working families.

“A higher wage will make a read difference for working families across the state, starting with a bigger paycheck this July and more money to pay for basics like food and rent. That’s money that will stay in our communities and boost the local economy.

“While a higher wage isn’t the law of the land until Governor Brown adds her signature, we are confident that she will do so and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of working Oregonians.”

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The Main Street Alliance:

SALEM, OR– Today the Oregon House of Representatives voted in favor of raising the state’s minimum wage. The member businesses of the Main Street Alliance of Oregon applaud their decision and anticipate the added sales as a result of their customers increased buying power.

“I truly believe that raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do. It’s the right thing for my employees and their families, and a great way to stimulate our communities economy through the dignity of work. As a business owner I know that my employees are the customers for my neighbors businesses, and theirs are mine, and if wages don’t allow working people to participate in our economy we all suffer. Oregonians deserve an increased minimum wage, and I’m glad the legislature has made a move in the right direction.”-Shaun Sieren owner of Biddy McGraw’s

The bill will become law once signed by Governor Kate Brown and we have full confidence that she will do so. Hundreds of thousands of working Oregonians will see a bump in their pay as a result of the wage hike–increasing their ability to spend at local businesses and fueling our local economies.

The Main Street Alliance (MSA) is a national network of state-based small business coalitions. MSA and its state affiliates create opportunities for small business owners to speak for themselves on issues that impact their businesses and local economies.

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Families Forward:

Following today ‘s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Family Forward Executive Director Andrea Paluso issued the following statement:

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The Oregon Center for Public Policy:

Statement by Chuck Sheketoff, executive director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, on Oregon legislature approving minimum wage increase

The Center thanks and congratulates the Oregon House of Representatives for taking an important step forward to ensure more working Oregonians share in the benefits of the state’s growing economy. This is an historic moment. It has been 27 years since the legislature last took it upon themselves to give Oregon’s lowest-paid workers a boost. Here at the Center, we’re proud to have been part of this momentous occasion.

Oregon businesses — large and small and new and old alike — thrived after the 1989 legislature raised the minimum wage, and we’re confident that Oregon businesses will do so again after this more modest increase. As the Center has explained to lawmakers, small businesses experienced nearly a decade of uninterrupted growth following the increase that was fully implemented in 1991. The small business sector found a way to adjust to that increase. That 1989 to 1991 increase in the minimum wage was larger than the increase that passed the House today.

Governor Brown and the Oregon Senate should also be congratulated for helping broker the legislation that passed the House today. The Center hopes Governor Brown will swiftly sign the measure into law so the lowest-wage workers will soon have a more economically secure future and will better share in Oregon’s growing economy.

The Oregon Center for Public Policy is a non-partisan, non-profit institute that does in-depth research and analysis on budget, tax and economic issues. The Center’s goal is to improve decision making and generate more opportunities for all Oregonians.

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United Food and Commercial Workers Union 555:

Salem, Ore. – Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, UFCW 555 Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Anderson issued the following statement:

“By approving a higher minimum wage, our elected leaders are making a real difference for hundreds of thousands of working families across the state. While we’ve been focused on what a higher minimum wage means here in Oregon, our fight to is not happening in isolation. With measures headed to the ballot in Washington and California, Oregon is positioned to lead a regional movement to lift wages for hard working families all along the West Coast.”

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Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon:

Salem, Ore. – Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Patti Whitney-Wise, Executive Director, issued the following statement on behalf of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon:

“Today’s vote to raise the wage is recognition that in Oregon, we honor the dignity of work and are committed to ensuring that every Oregonian thrives. Because of our elected leaders’ actions, families across the state will have better access to healthy food and our communities will be stronger. Today, we take a significant step forward, towards becoming a hunger-free Oregon.”

About Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon:

We envision an Oregon where everyone is healthy and thriving, with access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food. To bring that vision into reality, we raise awareness about hunger, connect people to nutrition programs, and advocate for systemic changes that end hunger before it begins.

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon is a charitable organization, tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)3, 509(a)1

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Causa:

Following today ‘s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, Causa Executive Director Andrea Miller issued the following statement:

” Today ‘s vote has shown that Oregon’s elected leaders understand that every Oregonian who works full-time should be able to afford the basics, despite pressure from big corporate interests who have tried at every step of the way to strong-arm our legislators into excluding certain categories of workers or certain communities. This raise will go a significant way towards addressing the racial wage gap in Oregon that has kept our growing communities of color, many of whom work in Oregon’s lowest paid jobs, at the bottom of the economic ladder. Whether you work in a field or factory, in Pendleton or Portland, a full-time job should mean self-sufficiency.”

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The Asian Pacific American Network:

Salem, Ore. – Following today’s vote to approve an increase in Oregon’s minimum wage by the Oregon House of Representatives, APANO Executive Director Joseph Santos-Lyons issued the following statement:

“There is a clear tie between health, equity and wages. When hardworking Oregonians can’t afford to go to the doctor, or pay for the care their children need, we all suffer. We know that the barriers to health and economic opportunity are higher for rural workers and families, communities of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ people.

That’s why raising Oregon’s minimum wage is not just about dollars and cents, it’s also about equity and health. We will continue our work to ensure that every Oregonian can afford to support their families and get the healthcare they need – and we are not there yet. But we commend the legislature for raising the wage for hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, and we see today’s vote as the groundwork for continued social and economic progress.”

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The Center for Popular Democracy:

Oregon Supports Working Families By Raising Minimum Wage

National and local pro-worker groups applaud three-tiered wage increase

NEW YORK CITY — The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) commended Oregon lawmakers for raising the state’s minimum wage to $14.75 per hour in Portland, $13.50 in smaller cities, and $12.50 in rural areas. The legislation increases the current statewide rate of $9.25 gradually over six years, topping out in 2022. The higher standard will help lift millions out of poverty around the state.

Oregon follows a long line of states and cities that have raised wages over the past year, prompted by growing popular concerns and a burgeoning worker-led movement. In the coming year, 14 states and four municipalities are expected to launch ballot initiatives and legislative measures to increase wages.

Center for Popular Democracy, a national pro-worker coalition, has helped lead the fight for higher wages in Oregon alongside with PCUN (also known as Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United).

JoEllen Chernow, Director of CPD’s Minimum Wage campaign, released the following statement:

“The working families of Oregon badly need a raise that lets them put food on the table, put more money in their pockets, and put themselves on the road to a better future. We hope that this vote will spur states around the country to follow in Oregon’s footsteps and provide workers and their families with a better standard of living.”

PCUN President Ramn Ramrez also released the following statement:

“Today, Oregon lawmakers stand in solidarity with the workers that are the backbone of our state. They recognized what we’ve known for years: Oregon’s minimum wage is not a living wage, and our workers need better. This victory is proof of the growing strength workers have fought for in Oregon and beyond, and we will continue to fight until every Oregonian has equal to the opportunities they deserve.”

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Two statements issued earlier Thursday by the Oregon House Republican Office:

House Republicans Vote To Allow Oregonians To Weigh In On Minimum Wage Bill

Democrats Reject Republican Efforts To Allow Statewide Vote On Costly New Wage Mandate

Salem, OR – House Republicans today submitted two minority reports to SB 1532, the Democrats’ proposal to drastically increase Oregon’s minimum wage, which would have allowed Oregonians to to directly weigh in on the legislation. Minority Report 1 would have removed the emergency clause from SB 1532, allowing Oregonians to have the ability to gather signatures and potentially put the proposal to a statewide vote. Minority Report 1 was rejected by a vote of (24-34). Minority Report 2, which would have provided for a direct referral of SB 1532 to the November 2016 ballot, was also rejected by House Democrats by a vote of (24-34).

“As the Legislature has debated this issue, I’ve been very moved by the stories and perspectives I’ve heard from individuals from all across the political spectrum and from every corner of our state,” said Representative Duane Stark (R-Grants Pass). “This is clearly an issue of enormous significance. The impacts of this legislation will be broad and far-reaching. I’m disappointed that Oregonians will not have an opportunity to weigh the positives and negatives, and decide for themselves whether the plan laid out in SB 1532 is the best plan for Oregon.”

Oregon has a long track record of allowing Oregonians to directly participate on controversial issues. In 2014, Oregonians had the opportunity to vote on measures to allow driver cards for immigrants, regulate genetically modified food products, and legalize recreational marijuana, among other issues. As recently as 2002, Oregonians had the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal to increase the state’s minimum wage.

“Oregon’s initiative and referendum processes are cherished elements of our state’s political system,” said Representative Bill Kennemer (R-Canby). “By including an emergency clause in SB 1532 and rejecting opportunities to refer the bill directly to voters, we are eliminating the possibility of Oregon voters playing a role in deciding this important issue, and undercutting a legitimate check on legislative power.”

In addition to rejecting the Republican minority reports, House Democrats voted down several amendments that included similar language in the House Business and Labor Committee. The House will now vote on SB 1532 as it was originally introduced into the chamber.

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House Democrats Refuse To Allow Review Of Budget Impacts Related To Minimum Wage Increase

SB 1532 Will Result In Increased Costs For Schools, State And Local Governments

Salem, OR – Despite the fact that SB 1532, legislative Democrats’ proposal to drastically increase the minimum wage, will have impacts on state agency budgets, House Democrats rejected an effort by Republican lawmakers to send the bill to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for further review today. The refusal comes just weeks after the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Office issued a report on a similar minimum wage proposal that made clear that state budgets would be impacted by the adoption of a higher wage mandate.

“The decision by the majority party to bypass our budget committee in favor of an expedited approach to passing this bill is nearly unprecedented,” said Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner), who chairs the House Republican Budget Committee. “We owe it to Oregonians to fully vet this proposal, figure out what it is going to cost taxpayers, and make sure we have a plan for addressing those costs. To not do so is a failure of one of our most fundamental responsibilities as legislators, managing the budget.”

A report by the Legislature’s nonpartisan budget analysts, while noting that specific impacts were indeterminate, confirmed that state agencies would face an increase in costs as a result of SB 1532’s adoption. In addition to costs related to state budgets, the LFO report raised questions about potential impacts to school districts and local governments, including issues of wage compression and salary increases related to escalator clauses.

The motion to refer SB 1532 to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for further review failed on a (24-34) vote.