Title
Supporting the request for further funding to study the potential impacts of raising the minimum wage.
Body
Whereas, the Citizens League completed its Phase I project, a project approved by the Saint Paul City Council on November 8, 2017 as RES 17-1779, in February 2018; and
Whereas, the Citizens League secured the full Phase I project budget of $25,000 from the Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations; and
Whereas, the Phase I report recommended a Phase II to include a Study Committee and further technical research; and
Whereas, the Phase II Study Committee would be an independent body convened by the Citizens League to answer key questions that were identified in the Phase I project; and
Whereas, the Phase II Study Committee scope of work would include evaluation and feedback, specifically the pros and cons, on four components: minimum wage rate and indexing to inflation, exemptions, tip penalty/credit, and phase in time; and
Whereas, the Phase II technical research will include an economic analysis specific to the City of Saint Paul; and
Whereas, the total cost for the scope of the Phase II project through Citizens League is $95,000; and
Whereas, the Citizens League has secured $35,000 of the total budget from the Saint Paul and Minnesota Community Foundations to fund Phase II of the project, bringing their total contribution for this project to $60,000; and
Whereas, the City of Saint Paul will contribute up to $60,000 in matching funds towards Phase II of the project; and
Whereas, the Citizens League is a highly respected, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to assist governments and communities in grappling with difficult public policy questions; and
Whereas, the Mayor and Saint Paul City Council desire to create a fact-based, fair, and balanced understanding by policymakers and the public of the complex issues surrounding an increase in the minimum wage before taking any action; and
Whereas, the Mayor, pursuant...
Click here for full text