2003 Senate Bill 5697

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Introduced by Sen. Mike Hewitt (Walla Walla) (R) on February 6, 2003

To provide automatic minimum wage rate increases only when the state unemployment rate is less than the national unemployment rate. Currently, there is an automatic annual inflationary adjustment to the minimum wage. Washington has the highest minimum wage in the country. See also Companion HB 1750. Official Text and Analysis.

Referred to the Senate Commerce and Trade Committee on February 6, 2003

Testimony in support offered to the Senate Commerce and Trade Committee on February 27, 2003

By David A. Thompson, Sunstone Hotels; Gary Chandler, AWB; Kevin Bouchey, WA Asparagus Commission; Scott C. Dickinson, Dickinson NW, Inc.; Michael Gempler, WA Growers League; Jim Jesernig, WA Potato and Onion Assn. They testified that the agricultural community wants to be able to keep people working. There are not many other jobs available in rural WA. Idaho's minimum wage is $5.15 an hour, which makes it difficult to compete. The Legislature should consider all of the increasing costs experienced by business. Nonprofits must find extra money to pay increasing minimum wage by scrimping and saving. The increasing minimum wage forces nonprofits to decrease their total payroll. The hospitality industry has been forced to eliminate staff to address increasing costs. Remaining employees must take on additional responsibilities without an increase in pay.

Testimony in opposition offered to the Senate Commerce and Trade Committee on February 27, 2003

By Jerri Wood, CWA St. Council; Michael Kepcha; Samuel T. Martinez, Small Business; Suzan Carrell, Local #8; Dan Carrell, Local #8; Andrea Stephens; Robby Stern, WSLC; Mary Hearon; Bob Swanson, WA State Assn. for Community Action; Julie L. Watts, WA Assn. of Churches; Guadalupe Gamboal, United Farm Workers; Barbara Flye, WA Citizen Action; Aleta Benedicto. They testified that this legislation includes a fictitious definition of full employment. It is difficult to live on the minimum wage and workers struggle to make ends meet. The minimum wage is not sufficient for gas, dental expenses, and rent. The Legislature should honor the public's vote and protect minimum wage laws. It is important for citizens to have the ability to purchase goods and services.

Substitute offered to the Senate Commerce and Trade Committee on February 27, 2003

To add an emergency clause.

The substitute passed by voice vote in the Senate on February 27, 2003

Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on February 27, 2003

Amendment offered by Sen. Mike Hewitt (Walla Walla) (R) on March 12, 2003

To make technical corrections to the intent statement to reflect that Washington has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on March 12, 2003

Amendment offered by Sen. Karen Keiser (Kent) (D) on March 12, 2003

To remove emergency clause.

The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on March 12, 2003

Passed 25 to 24 in the Senate on March 12, 2003.
See Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No".

Adjusting the annual inflationary adjustment to the minimum wage.

Received in the House on March 14, 2003

Referred to the House Commerce & Labor Committee on March 14, 2003

The bill did not pass both chambers during the 2003 regular session, so the bill automatically returned to the Senate Rules Committee when the regular 105-day session adjourned on April 27, 2003.

Received in the Senate on January 12, 2004

And active in the 2004 Legislative Session.

Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on January 12, 2004

Passed 27 to 22 in the Senate on February 10, 2004.
See Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No".

Received in the House on February 11, 2004

Referred to the House Commerce & Labor Committee on February 11, 2004