Initiative 1433 seeks to Raise up Washington …. To $13.50 per hour

The pressure to increase Washington State’s minimum wage continues to mount.  In addition to multiple bills pending in the State Legislature, voter initiative 1433 will likely be on the ballot for this coming November’s election.  If passed, Initiative 1433 would increase Washington’s minimum wage to $13.50 an hour across the State.

According to media accounts, the Initiative has increased frustration with some Eastern Washington voters, who feel Westside voters can control statewide decisions, which decisions do not reflect the economic realities of more rural areas on the east side of the State.  While Washington has 39 counties, nearly one third of the population for the entire State resides in King County.  In the 2012 governor race, about 1.4 million people across the State voted for Rob McKenna, but 1.5 million voted for Jay Inslee across only eight counties.

Notably, the City of Seattle has already voted to up its minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Brian A. Walker helps businesses and individuals in employment, business, and real estate related litigation and transactions from the Wenatchee office of Ogden Murphy Wallace PLLC. You can reach Brian at bwalker@omwlaw.com or at (509) 663-1954.