The Portland City Council heard from the public Monday night on referendum questions before they appear on the November ballot.
One that is getting a lot of attention is a proposal to raise minimum wage to $18 an hour.
If passed, not only would this bump up hourly workers a whole $5 per hour, it would also eliminate sub-minimum wage for tipped workers.
Jobs like taxi drivers, delivery workers, and waiters and waitresses would make $18 an hour plus tips.
The current tip minimum wage is $6.50.
Many argue for higher wages amid rising inflation. Others are worried how a dramatic increase in raising the minimum wage might affect small businesses.
“As I drove around the city this weekend and what is supposed to be the busy time of year and the great rebound post COVID. Yes, I saw activity, but I also saw more for lease signs, going out of business, long-term locally owned businesses. They can’t even make it through the summer,” said Mary Allen Benjamin, a Portland resident.
“I make $19.23 an hour and I am rent burdened in the West End with the apartment that I share with three roommates. There is a cost-of-living crisis in Portland, and we all know that,” said Leo Hilton, a Portland resident.
The proposal would also create a Department of Fair Labor Practices to enforce wage and worker safety laws.