(Sen. Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) issued the following statement regarding AB 10, Adjusting the Minimum Wage, which was approved by the Legislature on Sept. 1.)
Increasing the minimum wage is an economic stimulus tool. By providing a living wage – a dignified wage – we promote economic stability in California and reduce the gap between the haves and have-nots trying to make an honest living.
The current minimum wage in California promotes poverty in our communities and impacts every taxpayer in the state. If we value work, and if we value people who work hard every day, raising the minimum wage to a level where people don’t have to fall back on government assistance to put food on the table is the right thing to do. This is a modest increase that will reap substantial benefits for all Californians.”
AB 10 addresses California’s historic income gap by increasing the state’s minimum wage as follows: On July 1, 2014, the state’s minimum wage will be raised from $8 to $9 per hour. On Jan. 1, 2016, the minimum wage will be raised to $10 per hour. California has one of the widest income gaps in the nation and last increased its minimum wage in 2008 to $8 per hour.
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State Sen. Noreen Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Marin (caretaker), Napa, Solano and Sonoma. Sen. Evans chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
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