After lengthy public testimony and intense discourse, the Long Beach Economic Development Commission agreed on a recommendation last night that the city council adopt a policy to raise the minimum wage to $13 an hour incrementally in three years.
The 11-member commission voted unanimously (9-0) to recommend that the city’s minimum wage be increased to $10.50 an hour by 2017, $12 an hour by 2018 and $13 an hour by 2019. Commissioner Cyrus Parker-Jeannette and Commissioner Paul Romero were absent.
The recommended proposal brought forward by Commission Chair Frank Colonna gives a one-year delay for nonprofits and small businesses, with small businesses being defined as those with less than 25 employees.
After coming to a deadlock on some specific considerations, the commission agreed on a broad amendment by Commissioner Becky Blair that the city council should “explore and consider actions that may help to mitigate negative effects on businesses.”
Additionally, Commissioner Walter Larkins recommended that the city council consider exempting employers that receive subsidies for hiring youth workers, allowing such employers to adhere to the state’s minimum wage requirements.
Commissioner Robert Olvera, Jr. also recommended that the city council consider labor enforcement to prevent wage theft and ensure employers are providing paid sick days.
Furthermore, Commissioner Randal Hernandez recommended that the mayor and city council consider taking a leadership role in advocating changes to state law that prohibit the city from exempting businesses with tipped employees.
Commissioner Kristi Allen applauded the main minimum wage proposal, calling it a “slow, measured increase” and a “good compromise” between the needs of the business community and the “Fight for $15” campaign.
Colonna, a former city councilmember and local real estate agent, stressed the need for the commission to come to a consensus on a recommendation to the city council, which will have ultimate authority on a minimum wage policy.
“The objective of a commission like this is to look for unanimity, for us as a body to bring forward items to allow the city council to evaluate them, pick through them, whatever they like, and choose to deal with whatever they can,” he said. “The city council is going to look at all that we propose and decide what they want to do.”
The city council is expected to take up the issue at its January 19 meeting.