$15 Now Organizers Filed Today with Oregon Elections Division

Portland Mercury:

Organizers with 15 Now Oregon filed today with the State Elections Division to add a measure to the 2016 ballot that, if passed, would raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2019. “This is a big undertaking, but we know we have strong support from our community," said 15 Now Oregon Statewide Organizing Director Kristi Wright. "Oregonians are pioneers, and together we'll make our state the first to end poverty wages.” The group now needs 1,000 valid signatures to get the Secretary of State to draft the ballot title. Then, by July 2106, they've got to get 88,000 valid signatures to have to initiative qualify for the November 2016 ballot. The Oregon Legislature has two bills on tap—House Bill 2009 and Senate Bill 610— that would address the $15 per hour issue, but Senate President Peter Courtney recently spoke in opposition to the movement, suggesting that the legislature wouldn't get to them this session. “Working people are becoming increasingly impatient with legislators' inability to act” said 15 Now Oregon member and chief petitioner Jamie Partridge. “If the legislature won't do the right thing, then we'll take $15 to a vote of the people.” The people have been speaking out all this week: Activists on Monday—the day 15 Now Oregon organizers announced their plans to file—packed the Oregon State Capitol for a minimum wage hearing. On Wednesday, as part of a nationwide day of action, marchers swarmed downtown Portland, chanting for action at selected businesses paying "poverty wages" to employees. "My rent won't wait (and) $12 or $13 isn't enough for me and my family to survive. I need $15 now," said Windy Wiebke, a custodian at South Eugene High School. “I've worked here for six and a half years and I still make less than $15. I'm not some kid just starting out." For more information visit www.15noworegon.org and www.15nowpdx.org. [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

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