The July 1 increase of the District’s minimum wage raised the annual gross salary of full-time workers earning minimum wage to roughly $21,000 per year.
“I am committed to fighting for policies that create pathways to the middle class for District resi-dents. Raising the minimum wage will give tens of thousands of Washingtonians a raise and boost the bottom lines of our local businesses. It’s good for workers, businesses and our economy,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference held the day of the increase.
The mayor vowed that her administration will hold all employers accountable. She stated that D.C. is a prosperous city, and should focus on greater opportunities.
Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney Snowden said that the wage increases that began in 2013 have led to a $4,000 difference in annual income for workers on minimum wage.
“D.C. is sending a clear message to all of our wage earners. Our team is working on the front-lines of greater economic opportunities in all eight wards,” Snowden said.
Deputy Mayor Snowden also held an “open housing” event in Southeast D.C. that day, where various agencies presented what services are available for those in need.
What remains to be seen is if these changes will have a substantial effect on impoverished communities.
