Portland residents support Living Wage according to new poll

PORTLAND- A poll commissioned by the Portland Green Independent Committee found that over half of Portland residents want a $15/hour Living Wage ordinance for the city. The poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling. 55% of respondents were in favor of setting the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

“We knew that creating a living wage is in line with the beliefs of Portland resident and this poll confirms across the board support on this issue. We believe that this poll indicates that Portland residents strongly believe that working full time should be a ticket out of poverty for working families” said Tom MacMillan, chair of the Portland Greens.

“An Ordinance Toward A Living Wage” has been circulating since the beginning of April. It will set a living wage for all Portland workers. Similar ordinances have been passed in other cities across the United States while the state and federal governments procrastinate.

The ordinance requires large businesses to pay workers $15/hour by 2017; while businesses having fewer than 500 employees would have until 2019.

The Greens have until June 19 to turn-in the requisite 1,500 valid signatures, though the committee expects to collect over 3,000 to ensure a spot on the November 2015 ballot.