Tomorrow (July 1st) minimum wage workers across Oregon will see a hike in their hourly pay. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
The increase is because of Senate Bill 1532, passed during the last legislative session. In Portland, the wage goes from $9.75 an hour, to $11.25. In Eugene, the increase goes to $10.25 an hour…while rural areas will see $10.
Critics say the minimum wage hike will stress companies, including small business owners. But Catherine Reinhart, co-owner of Sweet Life Patisserie in Eugene, disagrees.
“The more money people have in their pockets, the more they spend, locally," says Reinhart. "They’re willing to spend a little bit more if we have to increase prices, so it basically just boosts everybody up. It doesn’t seem to be a problem, so the more we can give people a good wage, and make them feel secure, the more our economy is going to do well.”
Incremental increases in Oregon’s minimum wage will continue through 2023. Afterwards, it’ll be adjusted annually for inflation.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.