The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council held a second public hearing Monday on a measure that would increase the city’s minimum wage to $10.10 per hour over the next three years.
Nearly 40 people signed up to voice their opinions on the measure, introduced by councilmember Jennifer Mossotti in March of this year. Compared to that month’s hearing, which was dominated by opponents of the measure, Monday’s event featured many testimonies from supporters, including the NAACP, the Kentucky Democratic Party, and several workers from the service and hospitality industries. They argued that in addition to helping low wage-worker earn enough to support themselves, the increase would help the government save money on social programs. Rob Akin, President of the Bluegrass Central Labor Council, said it would help stimulate the economy.
"What you’re doing is putting more money into consumers’ hands to spend in Fayette County. In long terms, that should grow businesses, because money spent turns over more than one time in your community," she said.
However, groups such as Commerce Lexington and the Kentucky Restaurant Association, disagreed, saying it would cause job losses and price hikes. Former State Representative Bill Farmer said the measure would drastically raise the expenses of small businesses.
“This is a direct tax on our small employers, the people with 2-25 workers. The bigger businesses it won’t affect, but for the people that call Lexington home, this is a tax,” he said.
The measure will be revisited at the Budget and Finance Committee Meeting, which takes place on Tuesday, June 23rd.
