Louisville's Minimum Wage Ordinance Get Public Hearing In Committee

A Louisville Metro Council committee is asking the public to weigh in Monday on a proposal to raise the local minimum wage.

The committee has allotted equal time for both sides to make their arguments.

City lawmakers have already heard testimony from various experts for and against an ordinance that would gradually raise the wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years.

Twenty spots will be allotted—half for supporters of the wage increase, half for opponents. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes.

The council, in a news release, adds:
If anyone would like to sign-up to speak before the committee, contact the Metro Council Clerk’s office at 574-3902. Anyone wanting to speak must leave the information below with the clerk’s office when they call: · First Name and Last Name · Phone Number · Mailing Address · Whether you will be speaking in support or opposition
Supporters have argued that the change would help people living in poverty; opponents say a minimum wage increase would hurt local business and drive competition away.

Louisville’s Democratic lawmakers support  some form  of a wage increase, but differ on specifics. Council Republicans are opposed to the proposal.

The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson St.