MEDIA STATEMENTS
May 3, 2019
Contact: Jenny Davies: 720-296-9545, jenny@progressive-promotions.com
Lizeth Chacon: (720) 938-6588, lizeth@coloradopeoplesalliance.org
Senate Passage Sends Local Wage Option to the Governor’s Desk
Will put power back into the hands of local officials who know their communities best
DENVER – Today local officials, business owners and workers celebrated the passage of the Local Wage Option bill (HB 1210) and that the final bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill would restore local control for city and county officials in adjusting their own minimum wage.
The following statements may be attributed each advocate as noted:
Lizeth Chacon, Executive Director of Colorado People’s Alliance
“Hardworking Coloradans should be able to live and thrive in the communities where they work. Voters across the political spectrum support local control and this bill will allow cities and counties to decide a local minimum wage that makes sense for them. Working families are grateful it has passed in the Colorado legislature and are looking forward to the Governor signing the bill.”
Deven Shaff, Broomfield City Council Ward 3
“Over the years Broomfield has seen the cost of living raise while the wages, especially minimum wage, has not increased at the same pace. Local elected officials want to ensure that our residents and economy can prosper and this local wage option bill will offer Broomfield another tool to ensure our economy works for the entire community. As local elected officials continue to work with local employers, employees and community members on this issue, we can determine a minimum wage that will let our residents cover housing, food and other costs in Broomfield. A local minimum wage option enables us to further this conversation.”
Paolo Solorzano, Worker
“Everyone knows that the cost of rent has gone up much faster than wages have risen, especially in Aurora, where I live. I’m having a really hard time making my paycheck stretch far enough to afford rent and all of my basic bills like groceries and utilities. As someone who works hard every day as a server, I’m hopeful the Aurora city government will take up what the most appropriate minimum wage should be given how expensive it is to live here.”
Whitney Painter, owner of Buglet Solar Electric and Good Business Colorado member
“Our small local business pays competitive wages so that our workers can afford basic expenses and also have some money in their pockets to spend in our local economy. A stable workforce and consumer dollars support small businesses like ours,and help our community to proper. Local elected officials are best positioned to set a minimum wage that will ensure residents not just survive but thrive.”
The Colorado People’s Alliance is a racial-justice member-led organization that works for climate, economic and immigrant justice to improve the lives of all Coloradans.
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