The Stranger Endorses a “YES” Vote on Initiative No. 1433

Thanks to Republicans, all recent attempts to raise the state minimum wage above the current $9.47 via legislative action have failed. I-1433 gives we, the people, the power to raise the minimum wage to $13.50 over four years—$13.50 because that’s the hourly wage one needs to earn to afford rent and bare necessities, even in shitty little towns like Cle Elum and Everett and Moses Lake. (The shitty little towns we’ll all be living in after everyone but Savage is finally priced out of Seattle.) This measure would also mandate that employers provide one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 40 hours worked. This is especially critical for food-service workers, who are often pushed to work while sick. (Don’t want someone with walking Ebola making your burrito? You gotta vote yes on I-1433.)