For good of isles’ workers, $15 minimum wage is imperative
Passage of living wage legislation is a top tier priority of the Democratic Party for the 2019 legislative session. As party chairwoman, I feel compelled to register my concern that the living wage bills appear to be in jeopardy.
I cannot stress enough how much the community needs to see our Democratic lawmakers find common ground and move forward into law a strong measure that puts Hawaiʻi workers on a path to a living wage sooner rather than later.
We are not alone in our concern. I am hearing from labor groups, the faith-based community, students, youth groups and nonprofits who serve vulnerable families and children. It’s important to recognize that more than half of the workers who would benefit from a living wage are women. They are voters, and potential voters, who are holding their breath; waiting for action from the state capitol.
$15 per hour, while short of a subsistence or living wage, is a meaningful step that will truly help working people—and rev up the economy.
