Democrats pass minimum wage increase and sick leave legislation out of the House

OLYMPIA – House Democrats helped take a giant step forward for the rights of hard working families across Washington yesterday when they passed legislation to increase the state minimum wage to $12.00 an hour and to provide paid sick and safe leave for workers.

The policy proposals would increase the state minimum wage from the current $9.19 per hour to $12.00 per hour over the next four years and would ensure that businesses with more than four full-time employees provide paid leave for workers who are in need and qualify.

Details of who qualifies for sick and safe leave range from those who have specified medical reasons relating to them, a family member, or child to those who under existing law can obtain unpaid leave as the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

“This is a bold step forward to strengthen our economy as we continue to climb out of the recession,” said Jaxon Ravens, Chair of the Washington State Democrats. “Democrats recognize that though we have come a long way and our economy is improving, we need to ensure that prosperity is shared by all – and these policies do just that.”

Recent statewide polling details strong public support for increasing the minimum wage. A net 65 percent of likely voters supported raising the minimum wage to $12.00 per hour as compared to 28 percent that were net opposed.

The survey of 500 respondents showed broad support for a higher minimum wage across key demographic groups and found that almost three quarters of respondents support paid sick leave.

“The public recognizes that increased wages and protections for workers like sick and safe leave will strengthen our economy and prosperity as a state,” said Ravens. “The ball now rests in the Senate Republican’s court to see if they will stop attacking workers and instead pass this important legislation that has widespread public support.”

House Bill 1355 to raise the minimum wage is sponsored by Rep. Jessyn Farrell (D-Lake Forest Park) and House Bill 1356 to establish paid sick leave is sponsored byRep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma). Both bills will now be passed to the Senate for consideration.


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