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 to Section 10.07.04 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, does certify that there are funds available for reallocation for the above stated purpose; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the Mayor, the City Council adopts these changes to the 2018 budget to fund the Citizens League Phase II project purpose, as noted in the attached Financial Analysis Form, and looks forward to working with the League and Mayor Carter on this vitally important topic.