ADOPTED RESOLUTION
Adopted by the body at the November 8, 2023 monthly membership meeting.
WHEREAS the 34th Legislative District Democrats’ platform supports a living wage tied to the median market housing rate; and
WHEREAS low wages contribute to housing insecurity, homelessness, and many other social problems that weaken our communities; and
WHEREAS, A full-time worker, putting in 40 hours per week at the minimum wage in unincorporated areas of King County, is required to allocate nearly 70% of their earnings to cover the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in King County, which stands at $1,896 (Washington-Apartment-Market-Report-Q3-2023.pdf (uw.edu); and
WHEREAS in 2013 and 2014 the cities of SeaTac and Seattle respectively established local minimum wages higher than the state minimum wage; and
WHEREAS in 2022 Tukwila voted by over 82% to raise their city’s minimum wage to approximately the level of neighboring SeaTac, with a phase-in for smaller employers and an exemption for the very smallest employers; and
Whereas, unincorporated areas of King County, like Skyway and White Center, require workers to be paid just the statewide minimum; and
WHEREAS raising unincorporated King County’s minimum wage would boost the income of many of these workers and their families, as well as encouraging other cities to do the same, raising the floor throughout King County;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats endorse the campaign to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated areas of King County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats supports legislation that upholds the rights and benefits of workers, ensuring that no wage penalties are imposed on tips or healthcare coverage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats advocate for legislation that prevents franchisers, solely determined by employee count, from being categorized as small businesses for wage tier determination.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats will work to urge the King County councilmembers to pass legislation this year to raise the minimum wage in unincorporated areas of King County.
Submitted to the 34th LD Democrats October 2023 by Rebecca Rego.