The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council began discussions Tuesday on a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, up from the current state mandated low wage of $7.25 per hour.
The proposal is being backed by council member Jennifer Mossotti, who represents the city’s 9th District. Mossotti’s proposal would phase in the increase over three years, beginning in July.
“I believe that we must continue to work to ensure that we are helping full‐time workers earning the least, pay for today’s essentials like food, housing, transportation and child care,” Mossotti said in an email to fellow council members.
The nonprofit Kentucky Center for Economic Policy has offered analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, which it says show more than 31,000 people in Fayette County earn less than $10.10 per hour. Its analysis also showed a majority of those making the minimum wage here are white, female and 20 years old or older.
The issue, which has been raised nationwide in statehouses and local municipalities, is divisive, often drawing partisan battles and the ire of business groups, which say it will hurt job growth.
Indeed, Commerce Lexington urged its members to attend Tuesday’s council meeting and voice opposition to the measure.
In particular, the group cited a provision to peg the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, which it said could raise the wage “well beyond” $10.10 per hour. And, it warned, the measure if passed was likely to face a costly court fight.
“Lexington taxpayer dollars do not need to be wasted on costly litigation,” the group said in a “call to action” email to members.
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Correction: The story as it originally appears erroneously said "31,000 people in Fayette County earn the minimum wage" instead of correct "less than $10.10 per hour."