Today, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a bill into law that will raise Oregon’s minimum wage over the next 6 years. The bill passed last week 32-26 in the house. Weeks earlier, it passed 16-12 in the senate after a six hour floor debate.
The bill is unique to other states’ related legislation in its tiered system approach that imposes different minimum wages throughout the state based on population density.
In the metro area of Portland, the most densely populated part of Oregon, the minimum wage will rise to $14.75 in 2022. It will rise to $13.50 in mid-sized counties, $12.50 in rural areas. This tiered system attempts to adjust for varying cost of living throughout the state.
Supporters of the bill say that the measure will provide a more livable wage to workers, while detractors have concerns about the impact on businesses—particularly small businesses with tight expenses.
Here are several articles that do a great job of explaining the proposed law and the implications for employers:
Oregon’s Minimum Wage to Rise to $14.75 in Portland by 2022
LoL rent, housing and utilities companies will have a field day with this! Get ready to pay higher rent and living expenses! Oregon mentioned NOTHING of controlling those rent real estate, utility companies, they are going to milk you that’s for sure you Liberal morons.