Tommy Announces "Living Wage for All DC" Plan

July 23, 2013

On Friday, Tommy Wells announced plans to introduce legislation he is calling the "Living Wage for All DC."   While he has been a long-standing advocate of a living wage for District residents and workers, last week Tommy voted against the Large Retailer Accountability Act.  In its place, Wells is proposing that the District adopt a comprehensive package of reforms as a responsible approach to create a living wage for all DC workers.
 
"I support a living wage for all DC workers and I believe we can - and should - do better than the bill the Council voted on last week," Tommy said.  "The Large Retailer bill did not create a living wage for DC - rather, it targeted a handful of big businesses instead of requiring a higher living wage for DC residents. It threatened to be a job killer, especially in neighborhoods where economic development and growth has lagged behind.
 
"I am proposing that the District create a living wage for all DC workers. To accomplish this, we must pass a comprehensive package of reforms - a smart, thoughtful, and strategic approach that recognizes both business and government have a responsibility to lift workers' wages."
 
Tommy will introduce his bill in September when the District Council reconvenes. Wells' legislation would:
 
 
"I ask you to join me in the fight for a living wage for all DC workers - a living wage that makes DC a great place to work, live and raise a family," Tommy said.